He was the crowd favorite at the US Open, where fans couldn’t get enough of his hilarious impersonations. The new kid on the block was the guy to cheer for, as the New Yorkers not only liked Novak Djokovic, the funny man, but also the rising star who believed he could win it all. New Yorkers don’t despise cockiness, they love it when a youngster talks about beating the No. 1 player in the world and wants to take over his throne.

Fast-forward four months to Melbourne, Australia where the Djoker found himself in a whole different situation. The Aussies don’t care for big-mouthed players, they like the good-hearted Marcos Baghdatis, the sweet Ana Ivanovic or the underdog who came out of nowhere and just happened to look like Muhammad Ali holding a tennis racket. That Djokovic took out Australia’s very own Lleyton Hewitt in straight sets didn’t build his image too much either.

Djokovic was the deserving champion over the past fortnight. He came close to winning the entire event without dropping a set, but his nervous start against Tsonga in the final kept him from sweeping his first Slam title. You can’t argue with the Serb’s self-belief and how much it has helped him become the mentally rock-solid player he is now. Djokovic isn’t afraid to play the big points aggressively and he often comes up with his best tennis when it matters most. What he needs to work on, is control his emotions after winning those points. With the way he celebrates, screams and pumps himself up it often looks like he’s trying to say, ‘yes, I’m that good.’

You can not dominate a sport without being arrogant. It’s just that some athletes show it less than others. Nadal always acts the underdog in the media, Federer likes to be mister nice guy, while Djokovic isn’t afraid to speak openly about his goals, a tournament, a player, whatever. All these three guys have big egos, but each one deals with it differently.

Now that Djokovic has won a major, he will need to start thinking about containing his attitude a little, or he’ll turn more people against him, than he’ll win for him. Djokovic is no longer the fresh up-and-comer with the big mouth who a lot of people liked because he dared to speak about his ambitions, and wasn’t afraid to take on the big players. Now that he’s a champion himself, he has arrived on the big scene and needs to tone it down a notch or he will quickly be widely considered as a brat who talks too much and doesn’t respect the other players.

It’s not hard to see where Djokovic got his attitude from. His parents, father Srdjan and mother Dijana, speak even more freely about what their son could, or better said, will achieve. The mother told Matt Cronin of TennisReporters.net: ‘This is the first of many Grand Slams. You need to remember that. Write it down.’ These kind of lines, compared to their antics in the player’s box during matches can be, let’s say, a little bit off-putting.

Djokovic has now reached the semi-finals or better in the last four Slams he played in. He was a semifinalist at Roland Garros and Wimbledon (lost both to Nadal) and a finalist at the US Open. Now, after winning the Aussie Open, the Serb will need to start defending points from last year, starting at Indian Wells and Miami. There’ll be lots of pressure on him there, not only because he won at Key Biscayne and was a finalist at I.W., but also because he now has to deal with the added expectations of being a Grand Slam champion. Federer meanwhile has a good opportunity to bounce back strong and increase his lead in the rankings again, due to his early losses against Canas last year. There won’t be a new No. 1 before the clay court season, but we’re in for one heck of a year now.

This seems like a fair enough assessment of Djoker’s situation (I posted something similar on the previous thread before I read this): he’s the deserving champion of the AO, and he’s in a new position now, so he will need to tone down his reactions in order to not alienate fans. And you know what? I am certain he will. This guy is smart enough to recognize already that he is emotional and needs to contain it more (I posted some of his interview comments on the matter on the previous thread). As Abe points out, obviously the Djoker comes by his emotional side honestly, that is to say, genetically.

I also think Abe is bang on here:

“All these three guys [Federer, Rafa, Novak] have big egos, but each one deals with it differently.”

And especially here:

” There won’t be a new No. 1 before the clay court season, but we’re in for one heck of a year now.”

No matter what people think of Novak’s personality, he has opened the door to something refreshing (along with Tsonga) by beating the world number 1 in straight sets and winning the GS trophy. He is now firmly in the race with Roger and Rafa and we will see how he defends his run last year; he’s also, I suspect, inspired a lot of the awestruck players below him as well as the frustrated ones – maybe Roddick, for example, will be newly inspired?

I don’t like this Djokovich guy from last year US Open run and certainly dislike him even more after this AO tournament. From his mother’s comments to reporter Matt Cronin to his antics during the match all pointing to a self-absorbing brat reflection of his parents image.

I have to clarify that it is Djoko’s attitude that people started nit to like. No one has a problem with his game or his rise in the rankings. He deserves where he is and I am sure we will see more of him in the future. Of course people like ambitious , young champions, but now he has to be careful.

He was able to turn 15000 people in Rod Laver Arena against him. He needs to sit down and analyze the situation and find a solution.

I agree. He is smart. I did not see him take his shirt off or do any more imitations after the final. So, he is sensitive to what is going on around him and that’s a good sign.

Now Mama Djokovic has to make a decision to let her son go. It is not about Mama Djoko now, it is about Novak. He is the one that has to be in the spotlight. Mama Djoko has to take a step back.Why even give statements to the media? let alone silly ones!

To me the put off was his imitation of Rafa in the QF of a grand slam. and then he says he was doing it all the time, now that he is No 3, he feels free to do these in the open court!

I think Djoko will learn from the AO experience and hopefully we will see a more mature champion in the coming tournaments. (btw, what is Djoko’s PR doing?)

Well, Novak is 20 only, so , we can forgive this uprising kid some “cockiness”.About “Serbian domination”, notice Federer’s dramatic five-set escape against Serbian No.2 Janko Tipsarevic in the third-round – and subsequent loss to Djokovic six days later. And more : both defending champions for AU Open GS are outplayed by Serbs. Federer lost to Serbia Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams lost to Serbian Jelena Jankovic. And even more : both US women champions, i.e. sisters Williams , were knocked out from Serbian players : Ana Ivanovic took Venus and Jelena Jankovic outplayed Serena . Finaly for the Serbians: Novak Djokovic, men’s singles champion; Ana Ivanovic, women’s singles runner-up; Jelena Jankovic, women’s singles semifinalist. Could this country accomplish anymore? Actually, yes — Serb Nenad Zimonjic, along with Chinese partner Tiantian Sun won the mixed-doubles golden crown. Congrats to the young Serbs !

I like other playing styles compared to the djoker.I dont like djokers groundstrokes either.He plays like a robot.There is no natural feel to his game and he uses too much power.The players with the most natural games are federer,safin,gasquet,monfils even tsonga.I dont think djoker can domintate like fed has done.Somebody is going to stop him from taking it all.

Good grief, us tennis fans are a difficult bunch to please. We adored Djokovic 6 months ago. But he wins a slam and says something more than ‘Golly gee, I’m honoured to be here’ and suddenly we’re rushing to dissect his every word and gesture, and those of his family, for something to be critical of. What’s the word for people like us – Purists…? cynics…? assholes?

My take on this is a bit different. I thought the Federer-Novak match was very sloppy. It was perhaps the worst tennis i have seen recently at a semi-final stage. Both players played at a very poor level; Djoko just happened to play less poorly. What i could not believe was the expert commentators (Cahill, McEnroe..) repeatedly saying that Novak was forcing Fed to make mistakes. What a bunch of crap! If Djoko rewinds and plays back the match, he will realize that Fed pretty much handed it to him; perhaps it was the virus, i don’t know. As for the final, i predicted that Tsonga would not be able to replicate those cute drop shots that he did with Rafa. He got way too lucky on many of them. If you remove those from the equation, it was a square match. Bottomline, if Novak reviews these matches (which he no doubt will), he will perhaps realize that he got lucky in both matches. All said and done, he won, which is great, but he and his family need to put that in perspective.

Life isn’t a popularity contest. Djokovic seems to have a strong family and network of friend to support him. What more does he need? Your support Abe Kuijl? I don’t think so.

“What he needs to work on, is control his emotions after winning those points.”

Why? What’s wrong with him expressing his joy at winning the big points. He should curtail his emotions so that people like you, Abe Kuijl, can feel more comfortable. Why? Who are you to him? Why should he give a damn what you think?

It is fantastic to have a player around who doesn’t play to the gallery, isn’t looking for friends on tour, doesn’t pay undue respect to Federer and Nadal, understands the psychological aspects of tennis and understands that he is there to play tennis to the best of his ability and take no prisoners and suffer no fools.

If that is arrogance, long live Novak Djokovic’s arrogance and may it get stronger.

Boy Kurt, talk about taking credit away from Djokovic. He was lucky to beat Federer? Truthfully, it’s Federer that’s lucky that he didn’t lose his last 2 major championship matches with Djokovic. Djokovic outplayed Fed for most of the first 2 sets at last year’s US Open Final and he did beat Fed at this year’s AO.

I’ve heard this nonsense about Nadal too. Somehow, there are people out there who’d like to argue that every time Fed plays Rafa and loses, he’s having a bad day. There couldn’t be any possible way, with Rafa’s ugly game, that he could beat up Federer. It’s just incomprehensible right? Wrong!!! Certain players just match up well with other players. Nadal and Djok do match up well with Fed and make him feel uncomfortable. Djok hits the ball early and deep and his serve troubles Federer. Rafa’s lefty forehand kicks up high to Roger’s backahnd. Federer doesn’t win by divine right and lose by accident. He loses for the same reasons he wins. Because the match up favors him or his opponent. It’s just that with Fed’s incredible game, very few have the moxy and he talent to step it up with him.

I remember Mac talking about a match between himself and Ramesh Krishnan. Krishnan was just patsying the ball about and it drove Mac up a wall at Wimbledon. And apparently, he almost beat McEnroe. To quote a boxing analogy, “Styles make fights”. Get two defensive guys in there and you’d might as well go to sleep. Put Irish Mickey Ward in the ring with Arturo Gatti and look out!!! Same thing in tennis.

“It is fantastic to have a player around who doesn’t play to the gallery….{and] doesn’t pay undue respect to Federer and Nadal.”

In a way, it is Djokovic’s lack of pretense that makes him so refreshing; sometimes the tennis world of today seems a little too “professional”, like these 20 year olds are supposed to act with the knowledge and insight of 30 year olds.

I also wonder sometimes if Rafa doesn’t kowtow to Roger a little bit too much. Maybe if Rafa said openly that he’s NOT happy to be at number 2 forever, he’d snatch that number 1 spot, which he deserves for all of his hard work. Of course I could be completely wrong here, and each player handles himself differently, but Djokovic’s openly expressed confidence seems to work to his advantage on the court.

“As for the final, i predicted that Tsonga would not be able to replicate those cute drop shots that he did with Rafa. He got way too lucky on many of them.”

I don’t agree with your other comments about Djokovic’s luck, but I do agree with this one above.

But Tsonga didn’t necessarily get” lucky” against Rafa; he is, no doubt, a great volleyer. However, the fact that so many of Rafa’s shots hit mid-court made it easier for Tsonga to make all of those drop shots and volleys at the net. Rafa notoriously plays way too far behind the baseline on hardcourts and he needs to fix this. By contrast, Djokovic didn’t let Tsonga dominate the net; he kept him deep, and instead it was the Djoker who capitalized on 80% of his attempts at the net.

I couldn’t agree more, and am surprised it’s taken so long for the editorials to begin on the Cocky Djoker.

What bothered me we’re his comments after the Fed match…don’t quote me here but it was something like “He wasn’t sick…or unable to play his game because of the virus, but I was putting pressure on him, that’s all”.

That level of arrogance about Roger Federer? The best player in the world? C’mon, this guy has a lot to learn, and Mommy and Daddy should stay out of it.

***Life isn’t a popularity contest. Djokovic seems to have a strong family and network of friend to support him. What more does he need? Your support Abe Kuijl? I don’t think so.****

I disagree. Why do you think they have all the endorsements for? “popularity”, exactly!
However, Novak doesn’t need to be liked by everyone. I agree and I for one have no problem with him expressing joy after winning a point. I don’t like his imitations and I don’t like him dissing the crowd and I don’t like the attitude of his parents. But he doesn’t need to please everyone. That’s right.So, he or his supporters should not be offended if people express their opinions about him.

“It is fantastic to have a player around who doesn’t play to the gallery, isn’t looking for friends on tour, doesn’t pay undue respect to Federer and Nadal, understands the psychological aspects of tennis and understands that he is there to play tennis to the best of his ability and take no prisoners and suffer no fools.”

Djovokvic is absolutely the opposite of what you wrote. He loves the attention, being in the limelight and so does mama and papa. His modus operandi is not only about playing and winning tennis matches, it’s also about the fringe benefits that come with it. It’s all about the almighty dollar. When he plays the parents’ cash register is working overtime.

Paying respect to your peers does not mean you bow down to them, it’s the reverse, you earn respect when you give respect. It’s a two way street. There’s a myth in some people’s minds that if you’re respectful you’re a fool/idiot/geek or weak, whatever word is suitable. However, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

“He should curtail his emotions so that people like you, Abe Kuijl, can feel more comfortable. Why? Who are you to him? Why should he give a damn what you think?”

The press can make you or break you. Djok cares and the press remarks anger him. If he didn’t care he would not have gotten angry with the crowd. Djoker has already eaten the fruit of his gesticulations and atrocious behavior and his over-candid remarks. I hope he can handle the repercussions in the locker room. From what I have read he likes to be the center of attention in the locker room. I wish I could be a fly on the wall to observe the players’ reaction to him the next time he goes into the locker room.

I don’t care what he says, neither do I agree with your statement. It’s a proven fact that deep down inside of us is a little child who wants to be accepted and loved by everyone. His behavior speaks volumes. How do children gain attention? By throwing a tantrum. Isn’t Djoker a paralell enfant terible’.

He had a problem in Hopman Cup whereby a fan mwntioned out loud about bis ball bouncing, he stopped what he was doing and yelled out something to the effect that if the person thinks they could do it better, why don’t they come down and try. Is this guy stupid or what. Not only was he making himself look stupid but he was representing Serbia.

“Truthfully, it’s Federer that’s lucky that he didn’t lose his last 2 major championship matches with Djokovic. Djokovic outplayed Fed for most of the first 2 sets at last year’s US Open Final and he did beat Fed at this year’s AO.”

And, wasn’t it you who posted the following on a different thread, when Djok beat Fed in the semis.

“Watching the Fed-Djokovic match, it just seemed that Fed was out of sorts. I actually think it was mental more than physical. He can match Djokovic shot for shot. I think he is the better shotmaker.”

“The other thing is, Fed has been getting used to exiting tight spots with his serve in the last year or so. His serve would bail him out here and there when he was missing forehands. But, Djokovic was reading Roger’s serve pretty well. He basically forced Federer to play a lot more balls than he normally does on a hardcourt. The equivalent of what Nadal has done to Fed on clay the last few years.

“I don’t know if Fed needs a coach. But, I think that he didn’t really rest enought(sic) over the very short off season. Then there were the matches with Sampras. Fed just didn’t look mentally fresh in crunch time against a very determined Djokovic. Perhaps Djok still would have won even if Fed were a little mentally more rested. But, I don’t think Djok bounces Fed in straights.”

Posted January 26th, 2008 at 11:30 am

This is confusing to a non-Fed fan. I guess you have changed from a Fed fan to a Djoker fan. Wow.

i find this whole ‘the king is dead’ thing, and novak’s behaviour (in general) in very poor taste.

1) novak had already beaten roger federer back in montreal in ’07. in fact, this was the first time he had beaten federer. and he did it in the finals to boot. you would consider this a more monumental event in his career. funnily enough though, i guess novak’s mother didn’t consider this event to be high profile enough to claim that her son was the second coming of the tennis gods.

beating a lackluster federer in the semi final of the AO is not the ‘end of an era’ as novak’s family so hypes. we all know roger had to lose at a grand slam at one point. novak and his family, since they so believe they are taking over the tennis world, must have also known this.

2) no one, not even roger, had ever claimed roger to be ‘the king’. yes, he’s had a fine run and while no one here will deny that he certainly seemed to be the anointed one (based on sheer talent and winning capabilities). to now claim that the ‘king’ is dead only further propagates the djokovics’ ridiculous spin doctoring.

are we to assume that now the ‘king’ is dead that a new ‘king’ (in the form of novak) will supplant him? that seems to be what they want the world to believe.

novak has won one grand slam. let’s take a breath and see what the rest of the year brings.

“…novak had already beaten roger federer back in montreal in ‘07. in fact, this was the first time he had beaten federer. and he did it in the finals to boot. you would consider this a more monumental event in his career. funnily enough though, i guess novak’s mother didn’t consider this event to be high profile enough to claim that her son was the second coming of the tennis gods.”

I came across the following on another site pertaining to Djok’s family’s behavior.

“You’ve got every right to your opinion about Novak and his family, but so do the rest of us. I’ve watched a lot of players come up through the years, and I’ve always had a bit of a problem when any player’s family seems to depend on their child’s earnings to sustain the whole clan. Their passionate support can sometimes feel like it’s about more than just pride in their offspring’s accomplishments, and IMO the player already has enough pressures on them… When the parents give a ‘thumbs down’ sign to a player their son has just beaten, or complain to tournament officials about the opposition’s fans cheering too loud, I think that behavior qualifies as ungracious, and hardly honorable. Djoko’s got a good game, but sorry, IMO humble he and his family are not…”

Zola you’re the best.Its one of the best arguments anybody has come up with recently.

”
Zola Says:

I don’t like his imitations and I don’t like him dissing the crowd and I don’t like the attitude of his parents. But he doesn’t need to please everyone. That’s right.So, he or his supporters should not be offended if people express their opinions about him ”

And there are many fakes out here.They always find excuses to support whoever the hero is at this moment.Now its the djoker.So these fakes are onto him.

Wow! Don’t you kick up a storm if you use the word ‘luck’? After seeing some of the comments, I rewound my tivo last night and once again saw parts of the sub-par Fed-Dkojo semi. And, tell you what: I am now convinced beyond doubt that the Fed i saw was a shadow of the guy i saw 2 months back in the Shanghai Masters beating Rafa and Ferrer back to back. And i am equally convinced that his sub-par performance had little to do with how Novak was playing. Fact of the matter is that there *is* a BIG factor called luck. How do you explain Agassi’s semi final loss in Wimbledon to Pat Rafter on a completely mis-hit lob? Or Roddick’s loss to Schuttler in the AO semi after that ridiculously long match he played with El-Aynaoui? Attributing a win to some ‘lucky points’ or a lucky draw, especially in a tight match is called humility. How many times have we heard Fed say ‘I was lucky to win a few key points’. That having said, there is no question that Novak has arrived. He is legit, plays a terrific game, and in my mind, will no doubt be the future #1. At 20, he is world #3 in his chosen profession. He probably has a right to be a bit arrogant. Perhaps i am the one who is clueless.

While you’re all getting on Djoko for his parents’ bad behavior (and I agree it was atrocious), let’s not forget Sharapova’s father with his intimidation tactics directed toward Henin, e.g. trying his best to look like an assassin in his hoodie and dark glasses, then giving the throat-slitting sign. The man needs heavy duty psychiatry, and his daughter shouldn’t be joining in by saying it was just a joke.

Fed is certainly off his peak of 2006, and may never get there again, but is still by far the best player today.

Fed lost 3kg due to his stomach illness for which he had to go to the hospital. That ruined his preparation for the event. Not being 100% and fully in touch led to tipsarevic stretching him to 4.5 hours. After that it was over anyway -has anybody in grand slam history come back from a 4.5 match to win the tournament, especially not being physically 100%? It just takes too much out of the body, especially the legs.

So this was nowhere a case of a peak Fed losing to djoker. It was a case of a peak djoker beating an off peak Fed. Djoker is no Nalbandian or Nadal – the only two players to have consistently troubled Federer (Nadal mostly on clay). Remember, Fed is still 5-2 on djokovic – when Nadal was that ahead of Fed head to head, everyone said that Nadal “owned” Fed (of course, he doesn’t anymore, since Fed is 6-8 vs Nadal).

I agree with Abe Kuijl. O.K. Djoker is arrogant. O.K. he is only 20..But has he not been around sports enough to know that his behavior is shameful.
But, his parents are not 20 and should know better. They really got into it with the Tsonga fans and the Australian secuity actually chastised the fans! When you pay to attend a match, it is sporting courtesy to choose sides and root for your person or team.
As for Djoker’s Mother, she is simply ridicuous…What about her yelling at her son to stand up and root (for one point). What is this about?
Remember Mama Djoker’s comment following the U.S. Open final that Novak will win the next time he plays Federer.
Now on to Novak…he must change his attitude and behavior or he will be all alone in his victories.

I think Djokovic is a refreshing new face on the tennis scene. I am constantly surprised how ungracious Fed fans can be when he loses. Novak played a great match and Roger lost. Facts are facts. So get over it and wait to see what the rest of the year brings. Time will tell.

Djoko’s box IS really annoying to watch. I wish they wouldn’t put the camera on his box during his matches. I started out cheering for Djoko, and then his box just turned me right off. They look like a bunch of psychos. After a few camera shots of his box-members cheering with their eyes bulging out of their heads, I switched allegiances to Federer. Then, the same during the Tsonga match. I couldn’t cheer for a player with a box like that.

Kurt,
I read that Fed was in the hospital for 2 days and visited the hospital for 6 days. He took a bathroom break in Blake match and had to throw up. Dyring Tipsy match he was under medication. So, I guess that has to do something with him not being able to move in his match with Djoko. I think their next match will be interesting to watch.

abe brings up some good points, although i dont completely agree that federer has a big ego. he obviously doesnt show it on the court or the press conferences. you are right of course that djokovic has to control his emotions like nadal does and learn some court etiquette to become more respectable. federer would rather lose his ranking to nadal because he has no respect for djokovic and his attitude.

Skorocel
I read that in a thread i tennis.com, which was copied from a translation ( I guess a swiss paper) in rf.com. I saw the origial post in rf.com, but I can’t find it right now.I’ll try to find and post thelink here.

***Amelia Says:

What’s with top players becoming so ill either during or just before a big match? Roddick, then Haas, then Fed? Hmmmm. ****

here you go:
this is the tennis.com copy but I have seen the exact same post in rf.com
********************
From RF .com

More info on “The Illness”….couldn’t resist:

From USENET Group (rec.sport.tennis):

“However, this story got me curious and I dug around to find some
Luzern and other respectable Swiss papers. These newspapers also
mentioned Roger being in the hospital for 6 days, but they claim he
only stayed overnight for 2 nights. He was on an IV drip because the
diarhhea dehydrated him. The other 4 days he came into the hospital
for tests, but didn’t spend the night. The Luzern paper said he took a
bathroom break between sets when playing Blake and threw up. I don’t
recall Fed taking a bathroom break during that match. They also said
during his Tipsy match he was on a non-drowsy form of Dramimine, which
prevents nausea and vomitting.”

Interesting, since even Federer himself did not make excuses for his loss or close matches at the AO; he said maybe his illness affected his movement against Novak, but overall, he thought Novak played very well, took away his time (which is the same thing Tsonga said) and that his illness was not a determining factor in his play at the tournament. And if it was, why would he have played so well in his first two rounds? His post-match interview makes it clear.

Jane,
I am just writing something I read. I am not making excuses for Federer. But it is very probable for a stomach flu not to weaken a player and not let him play at 100%. And you seriously think Fed would come and say I had medication and I was ill , that’s why I lost?
He said somethink like this was not his best game. And sice his movement was so off, I think this article might be true.

I was questioning the validity of the article, not you. I know you’re a sincere & thoughtful poster.

I don’t think Federer would come out and blame the loss on his illness, no, but I do think if he thought it was an issue he would not be afraid to admit it. But he didn’t seem to think his flu was an issue. Plus, as I said, how do we explain his fantastic play in the first two rounds. For example, he’s had trouble with Santoro in the past but this time he pummeled him.

I want Federer to win, but after what I saw from the 19 year old Djokovic, I’m exceptionally afraid and worried now.
I might have to start rooting for Djoker now. Everyone that understands tennis knows that he is the unofficial #1.

“Truthfully, it’s Federer that’s lucky that he didn’t lose his last 2 major championship matches with Djokovic. Djokovic outplayed Fed for most of the first 2 sets at last year’s US Open Final and he did beat Fed at this year’s AO.”

And, wasn’t it you who posted the following on a different thread, when Djok beat Fed in the semis.

“Watching the Fed-Djokovic match, it just seemed that Fed was out of sorts. I actually think it was mental more than physical. He can match Djokovic shot for shot. I think he is the better shotmaker.”

“The other thing is, Fed has been getting used to exiting tight spots with his serve in the last year or so. His serve would bail him out here and there when he was missing forehands. But, Djokovic was reading Roger’s serve pretty well. He basically forced Federer to play a lot more balls than he normally does on a hardcourt. The equivalent of what Nadal has done to Fed on clay the last few years.

“I don’t know if Fed needs a coach. But, I think that he didn’t really rest enought(sic) over the very short off season. Then there were the matches with Sampras. Fed just didn’t look mentally fresh in crunch time against a very determined Djokovic. Perhaps Djok still would have won even if Fed were a little mentally more rested. But, I don’t think Djok bounces Fed in straights.”

Posted January 26th, 2008 at 11:30 am

This is confusing to a non-Fed fan. I guess you have changed from a Fed fan to a Djoker fan. Wow.

————————————

Quite frankly, I’m not a big fan of either player. It did seem that Federer was a little uneasy out there. I don’t know if others watching the match saw it that way too. But, Djokovic made him pay for it. And he did look poised to beat Fed in last year’s USO as well. But, Djok was a little overwhelmed by the moment.

My only point was, Fed has to be at his best to beat Djokovic if Djok is playing well. There has been many a guy that Fed has beaten with less than his A game largely because of the intimidation factor. I do still believe that if Fed brings out his best stuff against Djok’s best stuff, Fed would win 7 or 8 times out of ten. His game is surreal when he’s hot. But, it is hard to maintain that kind of playing level. Especially when you’ve been No.1 for 4 years running and you are the defacto definition of excellence. That has to wear you out mentally and physically.

This loss by Fed may have been an aberration. Maybe the stomach illness took the slightest edge off him. Who knows? I’m not premiere athlete so I don’t know. But make no mistake, time catches up to all athletes. There is going to be a time when Fed starts to lose matches he is use to winning. And for great tennis players, they usually play their best from 24 to 26. Borg, McEnroe, Sampras were most dominant in that age span. Federer has begun to enter that age where he might be more vulnerable on a day to day basis. And that’s when the people nipping at his heels cease the opportunity to define their own greatness. It’s the law of the jungle.

Jane,
thanks a lot. You know I value your comments too.
I think the first two opponents may not have been much of a competetion anyway. Even the match with Djoko or Tipsarevic were not very lopsided.
I hope Fed’s team release a statement and talk about this. I know Haas had to withdraw from a tournament because of similar problems.

I guess we will find our answers next time Federer and Djoko play. Right now the it is a fact that Djoko won the AO championship and Fed didn’t and that the three guys at the top are very close. will be a very exciting 2008.

Lots of jealous people around here.
Djokovic already has enough supporters and doesn’t need any kangaroos on his side. He also can celebrate his points however he wants to. Tilting your opponent is one strategy to win the match.

“But make no mistake, time catches up to all athletes. There is going to be a time when Fed starts to lose matches he is use to winning.
Thanks for the explanation..”

Thanks for the explanation. I was a little confused about your statement. I thought you had switched sides. However, the problem with time catching up and losses is absolutely true. It’s not just athletes it’s all humans as we age we become a few steps slower. For athletes I think it happens faster because of the pounding their bodies have to endure.

I don’t know if you remember in a previous post when Fed lost I mentioned that fact. Borg just left the US Open after the match and never returned. He had enough. This could probably be the reason for Fed’s urgency to break all of the records before his peak begins its descent. However, you know it’s a difficult situation for his fans to accept and the same goes for him also. Denial.

well..Von..i dont think there is urgency in Fed breaking all records before his peak begins to descend. He has always maintained that he wants to play atleast till London olymics 2012 @ wimbledon. He always stresses the fact that its not easy to win a GS because there are lots of factors that has to go your way. But since he has been winning almost every other GS, it might have looked easy .. but surely wasnt. He knows it and thats what he tried to convey in his interview that he had created a ‘Monster’ by winning every other slam. I remember him saying last year that winning 3 slams is out of ordinary and he doesnt expect winning 2 or more every year. He would be happy to win atleast one (Wimby) every year till 2012.

Fed knows its tough to win Slams.. and one thing he relishes most is paying back and turning the H2H records. He did it against Hewitt, Nalbandian, Agassi and lately catching up with Nadal. Even though hez 5-2 against Djoker.. he would probably treat it as 1-2 since Djoker becaome the world no 3.

And i agree…he wouldnt mind losing his No 1 ranking to Nadal than to anyone else cuz he know Nadal does deserve that period in limelight as No 1. And he was pretty impressed with the way Nadal fought with him on the wimbledon grass the last 2 years.

All this anti-Djokovic thing started after he beat Federer. Nobody really cared about his arrogance, about his tennis, about his personality before he beat Federer. After that match everybody started to pay attention to every bit of Djokovic surrounding, including his family.

I agree Djokovic has to improve many things:
- Umpire should be respected. The last big champion who really disrespected 80% of umpires was John McEnroe. It wasn’t nice. That look to umpire during Federer match was just wrong.
- His gestures to crowd… If he has problem with crowd go talk to umpire and explain the problem. He should play match and use crowd only his favor. If crowd does something to annoy him, he should ignore the crowd, or the crowd will annoy him even more.
- His mom is annoying, very annoying. I can’t stand her for some reason. It seems to me that her ambitions are higher than Novak’s. She should be very careful when speaking to the media or anyone else who matters in World of Tennis.

But:
I don’t understand how people can say that he disrespects Federer or any other player. I mean Djokovic (it seems to me) honestly cheers every nice point of every opponent. How many times I have seen him applauding after amazing shot/move from his opponent. He even said to Federer: Nice shot, both during US Open, and during AU Open. He always gives credit to opponent. After the final that he won, he said that if Tsonga won, it would be deserved, and it looked to me like he was honest. Before he started the speech he thought clearly what to say, and he said it from the heart. Or he is very good actor?
His tennis is unbelievable. Shot selection is amazing. He misses drop shots very often, but it seems to me that he always tries to do it at right time, because whenever his drop shot goes through he wins the point. Ball bouncing and medical timeouts are not cheating. If he cheated, he would get punished. You think tennis association would let cheat win grand slam? Don’t think so.

“..well..Von..i dont think there is urgency in Fed breaking all records before his peak begins to descend. He has always maintained that he wants to play at least till London olymics 2012 @ wimbledon.”

I think that Fed has come to terms with the fact that he cannot win every GS. As I stated previously that this loss should be viewed by him in a positive way, he won’t feel so pressured to deliver a win every time he gets on the court and in this way, perhaps, the wins will be more enjoyable. His fans will not be unrealistically inclined to expect him to win everything either. From every dark cloud there comes a silver lining.

As his pain and shock diminishes he will have a different perspective on his future goals. Maybe he’ll adjust his schedule and enjoy more down time until 2012. He definitely wants that gold Olympic medal, and 2012 is just 4 years away, by then he’ll be 30 and retirewment would be a welcome event.

Branimir, I agree with most of what you’ve written. Djoker definitely has some stuff to on which to work now that he’s been thrust onto the scrutiny of a world stage and won a GS. He will work on it, I am sure. But what does he do about that mum of his? Oy~!

Ah, but all actors are not “fake” in their emotions; some really cry or laugh, recalling memories, using the Stanislavski method, rather than pinching themselves or cutting an onion to force phoney tears. In fact, one could argue that the best actors are the most honest, emotional, and self-aware people who are in touch with their feelings. I like to think that Mr. Djokovic is just that, an honest young man who wears his heart on his sleeve and gets in trouble for it, rather than a calculated professional who says and does what he’s supposed to when he’s supposed to. He’s a breath of fresh air, even in his bravado. And he’s opened a door. Good on ya, Joker!

If you think Djoker is not a good actor.. you should look at some of his videos on You tube.. alos the way he mimicks other players. isnt that a trait of an actor.”

I would say he is a good imitator which is a different thing from good actor. He has a very extroverted personality, to the point that many start to bash him for that. The spot light is on him so it is the most obvious target choice. There is something about the way champions are “supposed to” behave, something that Federer does to perfection. For me actualy Federer seems a good actor, not Djokovic.

“If you think Djoker is not a good actor.. you should look at some of his videos on You tube.. alos the way he mimicks other players. isnt that a trait of an actor.”

He’ll stop, just wait until another player starts doing his ball bouncing and shirt imitations. I know that Roddick does very good impersonations, in fact, Roddick has been doing imitations for quite a few years, and then the Djoker took over. Roddick made fun of him at the TMC conference when they were all together. So just give it time.

Branimir,
I think you have good points. I just want to say that this discussion started after Djoko’s US Open imitations.
*****

I want to congratulate all Djokovic fans. Please don’t take offense at these points. These are not directed at you and I am sure Djoko will take note.He is a smart guy.

He won the Australian Open deservedly and has taken the big leap towards a much more successful career. We like it or not, he is now the third significat person in men’s tennis. so, congratulations again to Djoko and his fans.

I agree with the statement since Federer’s loss at AO, a lot of people starts to dislike Djokovic and to go after him and his family. Curt’s statement on bad match quality are just a bus*&. It is not just my oppinion, rewind the tape again and check Patrick’s comments, he is definitly more knowledgeble that Curt..
On his family, beaviour, where you are blind to notice thouse three faggots who where insulting Djokovic in front of his family and that is why they were moved five rows back. The organiser brought Serbian fans to create buffer zone, so Djokovic can concetrate on a match not on what is happening with his family. One is to cheer for a player that is beneficial to a sport event but it is not acceptable to do what has been done to his family.
I have question to Federer’s fans. Do they have any recolection what sportmanship is? Federer does not have any quality of good sportmanship behaviour. His statement after the match proves it. Roots of sport are in amaterizam not in profesionalism and money. The main success of any sportman is to be a part of an cometative event, respect others! This use to be one of main driving forces in olympic sport up to Los Angeles olympic games. After that event where olymic organiser was for the first time able to make profit, were devastating… but this is for some other discussion.
Going back to Federer and his behaviour, did anyone notice the pattern? Just go back and check the match against Tipisarevic. In the instance where Federer was convinced that Janko’s serve was good even thought it was called out, he never intervened before the challenge and give a point to Tipisarevic. On other side Tipisarevic did intervene before hte challenge, as he corrected linesman’s mistake and gve the point to Federer, without ever need ing to play the challenge. If he did not lose the match against Djokovic, we would never know that he had food poinsoning. Again this is just one of examples where he is using excuses to explain why he was beaten. He is incapable to accept the fact that at this moment, he is not number one. If you knew anything about medicine, you would be aware that at the commencement of the match, there would not be any traces of food poisioning in his system. Therefore, Federer does not display any class whatsoever, and not nearly enough to reach the expected amount of a professional of his stature.

Are you kidding me? The guy receives a time violation for this and you don’t consider it as a cheating? As for those medical timeouts – well, go watch the Monte Carlo 2006 final, if you don’t know what an intentionally requested MT can do with the opponent!

To Zola:
I’ve almost forgot it: Thanks for that info!!! I maybe have that Blake match on tape, but since I only recorded the actual play, I can’t quite remember if he had that “bathroom break” or not… Anyway, thanks!!!

To Von:
Yay! I will send you some soon – just be patient! As for that promised letter about the US, it’s already finished, but I also want to write you something re: the whole Djokovic theme & also add something re: A-Rod’s chances vs Fed (as I’ve already promised you some 15 threads ago, if you remember that), so please be patient… You know, I could write you about these things via these comments here at tennis-x.com, but since there are so many articles, you quickly lose track of it… Stay tuned!

“You know, I could write you about these things via these comments here at tennis-x.com, but since there are so many articles, you quickly lose track of it… Stay tuned!”

I thought you had forgotten about the A-Rod stuff and I did not want to be a pest to remind you about it. It would be better to send it to my personal email address. By the time I get on this site so many things have been posted — I understand what you mean by losing track. Thanks.

Skorocel,
Djokovic never received any “violation” for ball bouncing, he just received the warning in the match against Federer.
The rule is: You have 20 seconds between points. 1 bounce take less time than 1 second, and he usually makes 15-20 bounces. Most of the time… Sometime he does more, but rarely. It’s umpire’s job to monitor 20 second rule, not Djokovic. If he gets points removed or something like that, then it might become Djokovic concern too. All this bullshit from some players really doesn’t make any sense to me. From the time player tosses the ball in the air, to actual hit there is enough time to prepare for return. Nobody complained about Djokovic bouncing in 2005 and 2006 cause he was getting beaten more than he won, but now when he is winning, his ball bouncing is somehow the issue?

Branimir,
you are absolutely right. It is the umpire’s job to monitor that time. Although Tsonga warned many times, the umpire did not do anything. That’s a shame.
The 20 seconds is counted from the time the score is announced.

It is not BS. Rules are there to be observed. You can’t say I am going to pass the red light until someone gives me a ticket! It may not be intentional. That’s why the umpire is sitting there. The player has no business intimidating the umpire for warning.

Djoko has been bouncing the ball like that since last year and was always criticized for that. A warning was due in the final and the useless umpire didn’t do his job.

“I don’t care what he says, neither do I agree with your statement. It’s a proven fact that deep down inside of us is a little child who wants to be accepted and loved by everyone.”

An adult understands that it is not possible to be accepted and loved by everyone and trying to be all things to all people is a fruitless task and a complete waste of energy.

An adult ultimately decides to be himself. People will either like you or they won’t and if they don’t, well that’s just too bad.

“He had a problem in Hopman Cup whereby a fan mentioned out loud about bis ball bouncing, he stopped what he was doing and yelled out something to the effect that if the person thinks they could do it better, why don’t they come down and try. ”

Great. The perfect response. Why should Djokovic have to tolerate spectators trying to influence play. To spectate means that you watch the match, not try to participate in it. The idiot “fan” should have been thrown out of the stadium if he doesn’t know how to behave at a tennis match.

Actually, players have 25 seconds between points; and this tournament especially I noticed that Djokovic was bouncing the ball much less (only 7-10 bounces sometimes – I was counting!) except on big points. He has recently spoken about this habit of his, and that he’s trying to work on cutting the bouncing down because it hurts his back to bend over like that. It is not some kind of “trick” of his; it is a habit. Just like Rafa with his water bottles and short-picking. Players, like all of us, have habits.

About medical timeouts – Djoker had less of those at the AO too. He took a medical timeout in the final when he was up 3-2 in the 4th set. It was a fair and valid timeout; he tweaked his hamstring stretching for a volley and had it worked on for 3 minutes so it wouldn’t impede his movement. Tsonga still had two chances to take the match to a 5th set – when Djok was down 30-40 at 5-5 and during the tiebreak. But in each case, Djoker was the better player, holding his serve and staying calm. Tsonga, like he did in the 2nd and 3rd sets, made a lot of unforced errors at these crucial moments in the match, especially in the tiebreaker. The deserving player won the final match, and it wasn’t due to ball-bouncing or medical timeouts.

You make a good point about spectatorship; the fans are sometimes out of control, yelling out things right when a player is about to serve. At the AO they seemed particularly rowdy; the atmosphere at some of the matches was compared to that of a football game. That’s tough for players who are trying to concentrate. The umpires should pipe up a little more in this regard as well.

Tejuz Says:
And i agree…he wouldnt mind losing his No 1 ranking to Nadal than to anyone else cuz he know Nadal does deserve that period in limelight as No 1. And he was pretty impressed with the way Nadal fought with him on the wimbledon grass the last 2 years.

—————————–

I really doubt Fed would be even the slightest bit OK with giving up his No.1 ranking to anyone. And why should he be? If you want to be known as the best ever, don’t you want that to be reflected in your world ranking? From this time forward, I think Fed would trade one major a year to keep the year end No.1 ranking. He is going to beat Sampras’ major record anyway. And at this point, it’s unlikely he’ll ever win the calendar slam. I’m certain that keeping his No.1 ranking is of the utmost priority. Even sliding to 3 means playing much tougher semis in tournaments. That No.1 ranking is important because it keeps your draws easier and allows you to save energy.

“That No.1 ranking is important because it keeps your draws easier and allows you to save energy.”

That’s way too broad – this year Federer (as the #1 seed) had Safin, Badhdatis, Gonzalez, Nalbandian, Hewitt and Djokovic all on his side of the draw. A draw only becomes easy if you get through it, but that’s after the fact.

Draws are like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get…until you get it.

BTW – I like Djokervic, and I don’t see him as bragging. He’s ambitious and he’s not afraid to say it. I have no problem with that, and frankly you can’t expect to have only the good side of a person with an ebullient personality (e.g. Andy Roddick can be as unbearable as he is charming, but he’s still quite popular).

I think ESPN, and tennis coverage in the US in general, has been done a great disservice by the likes of Dick Enberg and Bud Collins have taken the abuse of endless melodrama and hyperbole to unbearable levles, and it indirectly results in these overbearing tennis parents.

Always going on some sob stories about a player’s background and what his family sacrificed for their children, etc., then cutting away to the parents. Emotionally manipulating the audience into feeling connected to the “family”, and staying glued to the tv, they given parents the (correct) impression that they are as much of the story as the one actually playing tennis.

It may work, but these parents then get delusions of grandeur, like the Djokervic’s and “Papa” Yuri (give me a break), feel a part of the action, soon entitlement, which is why they behave so poorly and with so little class.

“That No.1 ranking is important because it keeps your draws easier and allows you to save energy.”

So then it is true that Fed gets easier draws. This has been a debatable point for quite some time and has been defended very vehemently. At least it convinces me that there are others who know and acknowledge that is the case and being No. 1 gives him certain privileges which is not accorded to the other players. And, the No. 2 ranking also receives the easier draws. e.g., look at Nadal’s draw in the AO.

With respectto Fed not bothered by losing his No. 1 ranking,I don’t think that thought would cross his mind, he is going to fight to hold on to that for as long as he possibly can. That’s what he has worked and striven for his whole career. He still is mad at Roddick for beating him in Canada in ’03 which caused him to lose the No.1 ranking that year.

We only observe Fed’s draws to be easy because HE GETS THROUGH THEM so easily. If he didn’t get to the final in 9/10 ten tournaments he enters, we wouldn’t be saying his draws are easy. Somehow consistently beating the tar out of your opposition has become an “unfair” advantage: nonsense. He wins because he’s consistently better than whoever is across the net.

Example: In 1985 John McEnroe was #1 seed in every slam he entered except the Australian where he got a first round bye, and lost to Slobodan Zivoinovic in the quarterfinal. He didn’t win any slams and lost to Lendl in the US Open final – his only final that year. So being #1 didn’t help him “conserve energy” or any other nonsense. You either win or you don’t win – end of story.

“It may work, but these parents then get delusions of grandeur, like the Djokervic’s and “Papa” Yuri (give me a break), feel a part of the action, soon entitlement, which is why they behave so poorly and with so little class.”

I absolutely agree with you. I have always felt that the ESPN commentators especially, Dick Enberg and a few others, talk too much of the players’ personal lives. They should do more comentating and less gossiping. Whenever Dick Enberg is comentating, I turn down the volume very low. For example, Henin has been divorced for one year now and Carillo and Enberg are still talking about her divorce making her a happier person and it manifests itself in her game. And they remark about it at ever one of her matches. Or, about Mardy Fish living with the Roddick family when he was in high school. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Dick Enberg talks so much that at the AO final he stated that the match was 2 best of 3 sets. He should be retired, same goes for Collins, or doing an editorial behind a desk.

“It may work, but these parents then get delusions of grandeur, like the Djokervic’s and “Papa” Yuri (give me a break), feel a part of the action, soon entitlement, which is why they behave so poorly and with so little class.”

What I have observed with these two families, especially the Djokovics, is that their delusional entitlement has made monsters out of them. I have argued about this but some find it refreshing that the parents are part and parcel of the players role in tennis and portrays a closely knit family. That delusional entitlement is the cause of Djokovic’s mother spouting off her nonsensical garbage to the press. She orders the reporters to “write that down.” I believe in her mind she thinks she is the player.

I don’t know if she realizes it or she doesn’t care, because she is caught up in this cloud of grandeur and excitement, that her low class, behavior has placed her son under such scrutiny and left him open to unsavoury remarks. He is now viewed by many as being boorish. And, the sad fact is that he does not have someone to counsel him on his behavior.

AS for Papa Yuri, he is listed at Sharapova’s coach, which entitles him to some of his unorthodox actions. He is just a figurehead coach and is more for tax purposes than anything else. There is a difference between him and the Djokovics. At least he is silent, and does not make stupid remarks to the press, but his actions are low class, there’s no doubt about that. He has been warned many times and she has been fined, but that fine is just pocket money to her and has not stopped him.

However, I don’t think that there is very much that can be done about the Djokovics. They are just low class.

“And look what Roddick got himself into: Never win over Fed again! Lets see how Fed will deal with Djokovic know.”

I view Fed as one of those who does not forgive and forget easily. For him to speak about that as recently as the USO ’07, is indicative of a sore loser and one with an elephant memory.

Djokovic on the other hand is going to pay dearly for his bravado speech and uncalled for remarks about Fed. When next they play, Djok had better bring out his very best A game. I complained about Santoro’s last match with Fed, that’s what Djok has to look forward to. As you know I am not a Fed fan, but that’s one match of his that I am going to make sure I watch. There will be fireworks!

Oliver Rogers: Last year the “pundits” were saying, “Oh, but everyone knows that Nadal is the real #1.” And wouldn’t you know it, he just never made it to #1. Now we have you saying that Djoko is “…the real #1.” Unless you have more ranking points than anyone else, you are NOT #1, ok? I know the media and know-nothings already have Fed embalmed and buried, but I prefer to wait until a body is cold before declaring death

It never ceases to amaze me that some of you would actually think Fed’s illness was of no consequence (maybe even bogus). After all these years of demonstrating his integrity, there are still those who prefer to denigrate him. Sad people. As to Fed not making a big deal of the illness, that’s just how classy he is. If he HAD made a big deal of it, there are those who would jump down his throat in a nanosecond.

All things said and done, he’s still #1. So, instead of cremating him, just sit back and enjoy the history that has been unfolding in front of our very eyes for the past few years. When it’s over (and some day it will be), you’ll all know it.

“Great. The perfect response. Why should Djokovic have to tolerate spectators trying to influence play. To spectate means that you watch the match, not try to participate in it. The idiot “fan” should have been thrown out of the stadium if he doesn’t know how to behave at a tennis match.”

The same goes for Djokovic’s family. I suppose all the chanting and clapping and getting into an argument with Tsonga’s supporters is justified.
Two wrongs don’t make a right. Then they are idiots also, but to what exponent.

Djokovic intimdated the AO final umpire by staring him down when he mentioned the long in between serves ball boumcing, and continued to do that on his next serve and glared at the umpire. Djok’s subsequent behavior was classless and unsportsmanlike.

As for his remarks to the fan who heckled his indiscretionate ball bouncing, is classless. Have you seen any other players doing that when fans call out to them. I haven’t. The umpire was too lenient.

I agree 100% with you. Somehow his serve wasn’t as good as usual, and when you have problems in the stomach area, you can stretch to serve. He was putting some first serves in court but not effectively as always. Djoko, in the other hand, was using his serve superb, especially in the key points.

I do think that eventually Fed will have a problem in a Slam that would compromise his game; he wasn’t 100 %, that’s clearly.
And Djoko did what it has to be done to beat Fed: not respecting him! (The old Fed phobia).
The problem was that he kept the lack of respect in the final!

SG.. surely being No 1 doesnt mean an easier draw. I would rather say No 1,2,3 and 4 get a lil more favourable draw til quarterfinals… after that its more about luck. No 1 can meeting No 3 .. which was the case in AO Open.

Look at wimby 2006, Fed had to face Gasquet, Henman, Mahut, Berdych (or Gonzo.. dont remember) etc in his 1st 4 rounds. Would you get a much tougher draw than that at wimbledon.

Fed certainly wouldnt want to give up his No 1 ranking.. but if he does, he would rather have Nadal take it than anyone else.

Gordon:
“If he did not lose the match against Djokovic, we would never know that he had food poinsoning.”

well.. it was common knowledge that Fed missed his kooyong tune up event because of food poisoning. And almost everybody knew it much before he played his 1st match.. except maybe yourself.

“If you knew anything about medicine, you would be aware that at the commencement of the match, there would not be any traces of food poisioning in his system”

There might not be any traces before the Djok match, but it certainly takes some time to recover from food poisoning. Its not like a switch where you can just turn it ‘On’ and ‘Off’. It affects practice, no proper diet leading to loss of weight. And on top of that, Fed was stretched by Tipsarevic to 5 sets.

Regarding the bath room break during the Blake match..he did have one i remember.. cuz it was aired in the news channel over here in Sydney for different reasons though. He almost tripped over a ice-trolley and could have been injured during that break.

“Djokovic intimdated the AO final umpire by staring him down when he mentioned the long in between serves ball boumcing, and continued to do that on his next serve and glared at the umpire. Djok’s subsequent behavior was classless and unsportsmanlike.”

I realize you don’t like the Djoker, and that’s fair enough, I respect your opinion.

But since you are a Roddick fan, as am I, I wonder if you feel the same way about his on court actions at times, since, I have seen him yell at noisy people in the crowd in the past, and in his match against Khols, he not only insulted the umpire by asking him if he’d been in school, he also publically shouted out to the kids in the crowd to “stay in school or [they] will end up being umpires.” This easily could be interpreted as belittling their job. I found the outburst dramatic and the comment to be a classic Andy remark, but it could easily be viewed in the same light as you’re viewing Djok’s “stare” at the umpire (where he was completely silent). Any thoughts?

“BTW – I like Djokervic, and I don’t see him as bragging. He’s ambitious and he’s not afraid to say it. I have no problem with that, and frankly you can’t expect to have only the good side of a person with an ebullient personality (e.g. Andy Roddick can be as unbearable as he is charming, but he’s still quite popular).”

Von, In fact, I see a lot of similarities in Andy and Djoker: they’re both hard-workers, they are both witty, with their impersonations and jokes, they are both straight-forward -they shoot from the hip and tell it like it is. It’s these qualities I like in them.

Think of Andy acting like he farted on the lawns at Wimbledon by waving his racquet behind him – classy? No! Hilarious and fun – Yes! This is why I’ve always loved Andy.

Think of Andy staring down the umpire when he was a young buck (much like the Joker is now) in that heady match against Hewitt – here’s the link to the YouTube video if you don’t recall or if you missed it:

I agree with you that Djoker’s parents need to back off – especially his mother – and that they could use a little decorum. But I don’t think Djoker can be blamed for them. I think Djoker’s anger at the umpire and at noisy fans is utterly justified, or if not justified, then certainly not out of the ordinary. Players are always expressing their anger at umpires calls or lack of calls with Hawkeye, or whatever – even Federer – so Djoker shouldn’t be singled out in this regard, at least imo (in my opinion – acronym translation for ya ;-)).

I found another video where Andy yells “shut the f**k up” into the stands at the fans in a tense tiebreaker against Ljubicic at the USO (it’s about 6 and a half minutes in). Andy was 21 – I think this is when he won his GS, right? Anyhow, I loved him then and I still love the guy.

“But since you are a Roddick fan, as am I, I wonder if you feel the same way about his on court actions at times, since, I have seen him yell at noisy people in the crowd in the past,…”

I have mentioned before that some of Andy’s remarks/behavior I find distasteful and have contemplated sending an email to him on that subject.

Andy becomes angry with the umpire regarding bad calls, Djok on the other hand likes to intimidate the umpire by showing him that he is not going to be bound by the umpire’s warning. I would say there is a difference.

Andy shouted to a group of school children, about being noisy, in this case the umpire should have taken control of the situation instead of the player. There’s a difference in playing at Hopman Cup, which is a jovial, informal atmosphere, and shouting at one fan, than playing at a Grand Slam, a more formal event, and shouting at the crowd to be quiet. Djok telling one fan about coming down and see if he could do better at Hopman Cup is pretty stupid.

“..(e.g. Andy Roddick can be as unbearable as he is charming, but he’s still quite popular).”

You agreed with the foregoing remark by MMT, there’s one great difference between Andy and Djok, Andy does not speak ill of the other players and is not incendiary in his remarks at press conferences. For example, Andy does not mention Fed in a disrespctful manner or for that matter, any other player. Djok, however, thrives on such remarks. I see this as jealousy. What has Fed done to Djok, nothing, Just be No. 1, which Djok wants to be like yesterday.

When Andy won the US Open in ’03, he had only gracious words for Juan Carlos Ferrero. Compare Andy’s press remarks to Djok’s press remarks when beating Fed in the AO semis. In ’06 Andy won Cincy and he beat Juan Carlos, but when making his acceptance speech he asked that everyone applaud Juan Carlos, a former No. 1. Do you think Djok will ever do that for Fed. That’s why regardless of Andy’s behavior he is so popular.

Djok with his bravado remarks after beating Fed was ungracious and he comes across as someone who is envious of Federer’s position as No. 1. Andy or the other players might have some envious feelings on the matter but does not openly speak of it. Sometimes discretion is the better part of valor. Djok has too much chutzpah!

“I found another video where Andy yells “shut the f**k up” into the stands at the fans in a tense tiebreaker against Ljubicic at the USO (it’s about 6 and a half minutes in). Andy was 21 – I think this is when he won his GS, right? Anyhow, I loved him then and I still love the guy.”

That’s my little guy for you. He has chutzpah with a capital “C.”

Again, that was a tiebreaker, every point counted, it was not Hopman Cup where the guys were not in a tense situation.

I am not saying Andy is a saint by any stretch of the imagination, I am just saying that there are situations that warrant an implosion and some that don’t. Djok needs to learn to choose his battles.

“Andy does not mention Fed in a disrespctful manner or for that matter, any other player. Djok, however, thrives on such remarks.”

And yet I don’t see this; I’ve read most of Djok’s interviews and he is not disrespectful of Federer. He merely says he’s beatable – which seems fair. He also said Federer handles the pressure exceptionally well and that he’ll be coming back “big” and “in style” after this loss. From everything I’ve read, Djok has wanted to be number 1 since he was a child; especially when he was a 6 yr old and saw Pete win Wimbledon. I don’t see this as jealousy, just desire to win and be a champ.

“When Andy won the US Open in ‘03, he had only gracious words for Juan Carlos Ferrero.”

Same with Djok for Tsonga – he had nothing but gracious things to say about Jo in his speech and his interview beforehand, calling him an “amazing athlete” and so on.

Sometimes Djok’s comments might be skewed by the fact that English is not his 1st language, but whether that’s true or not, I just don’t think he’s a bad guy, who’s disingenuous, and jealous, and a braggart, and etc…etc… all the other things tossed around here.

Here does need a little discretion, but he’ll learn. What he’ll do about those folks, I don’t know!

Look.. to me.. Djok is a great consistent player, but nothing spectacular like how Roger was (and is) when he first first won the wimbledon and then ran through the Masters Cup in 2003. I dont see him dominating tennis even half as much as Roger. Not many players get intimidated by him.. and am sure most of the youngsters will start finding their groove and steal some of his points this year.

Let’s hope no one dominates for that long for a while; I’d like to see some other players win a little: how about another slam for Roddick and Safin? How about a slam and a few MS shields for Baggy or Gasquet or Murray, or another couple for Djokovic and don’t forget about a Wimbledon title for Rafa – YES!

Variety – no more predictable outcomes – that’s what I am hoping for in 2008.

I don’t think we’ll agree at the present time about Djok and his behavior and remarks at this year’s AO, because it’s still fresh in my mind. However, probably in the future I may see something to like about him. He’s not smooth as Andy to pull off some of the things he dowes and says. You’ve got to admit Andy is the handsome one, and I know that you are aware that beautiful people can get away with more than the not so beautiful ones. Andy is in the first category, Djoker is is the second. A paralell argument, one of your frustrated ones, think back to Beckham and Federer with your old nemesis G. rest my case :) .

G was very angry with me, even though I apologized many times for being outspoken. I made the mistake of mentioning to Naresh, who is also lost, that my background was legal, and G claimed I was a person who knew how to wield an axe. I also thought he was a woman, by the name, and I said “girl are you crazy.” He’ll never forgive me.

I implored G. not to leave, but then again, he never liked me for being, much like Von, outspoken and not really a Fed-fan, and so he probably could’ve care less what I said. Anyhow, I hope he’s enjoying the tennis, wherever he is!

“I know that you are aware that beautiful people can get away with more than the not so beautiful ones. Andy is in the first category, Djoker is is the second. A paralell argument, one of your frustrated ones, think back to Beckham and Federer with your old nemesis G. rest my case .”

Of course I agree that Andy is one handsome lad (!), but I gotta admit it, I find the Djoker kind of cute too – especially when he has his glasses on, or in that YouTube video when he visits the Met and sings…you guessed it…a little opera!

There’s a good little blurb at the ATP site about the 3-way number 1 race; Djok is going to have a tough time as he has a lot of points to defend in the MS events, but I think he’s not going to be too worried about it as he now has that GS trophy, which, as he said, was his ONE goal for this year – win a grand slam. And now he’s already done it, so the rest will be gravy. I honestly don’t think he’ll worry if he loses points as he’s not going to lose #3 with the lead he has anyhow.

“Non of Federer – Djokovic matches in the future, on any surface is gonna be that easy for the one who wins.
Djokovic now has big advantage over Federer, but Federer is Federer.”

Let’s not get carried away and be realistic here. Federer won 12 slams, Djok only one (1). What advantage does Djok have over Federer? None. Federer is leading the race in points and Djok has a lot of points to defend. I think Federer has the advantage. Admittedly, the next time they play it might not be an easy win, but I think that Federer’s pride is going to be the driving force behind his game. Anyway, let’s wait until the next time before jumping to any conclusions.

I really don’t care who wins, I am neither a Federer or Djok fan. I just want to see a good and exciting match.

Well.. Djok doesnt have the wood on Fed like how Nadal used to have. Fed fell short this time.. He was also beaten tacticlly as well i .. sometimes i feel he overused that slice backhand of his during the semi-final. That same BH slice had got lots of unforced errors from Djokovic during the US OPen finals and Fed tried to do the same here. Djok was ready for him this time… everytime there was low slice, Djoker was going for the lines and taking time away from Fed. Plus, I heard Courier say Djoker had changed his strings which gives more top-spin and control. Which means.. Djoker could actually control and hit those low balls over the high part of the net with more ease.

Am sure Fed will rethink his strategy and be more prepared for his opponent.

“Am sure Fed will rethink his strategy and be more prepared for his opponent…”

I refrained from saying anything about Fed’s food poisoning. I had tunafish food poisoning. It’s one of the worst things anybody could have. I was sick for 5 days, but had no energy for over 3 weeks. To begin with I am a slim person, and Fed is slim, I looked like a skeleton. So I can just imagine how sick he was. I would say Djok got lucky and to reinforce my previous posts, it was not a runaway win.

Roddick had food poisoning in Indy and lost to Dancevic. Between sets Roddick ran off the court without saying anything to the umpire, and came back to play the second set, which he lost in a tiebreak.

I know everyone knows I am not a Fed or a Djok fan, but I feel that it’s only fair to say Fed was not 100 percent well. We’ll see the next time they meet and Djok had better wear some reinforced shorts because he’ll get a good spanking.

And the fact that Djoker was re-iterating that he won the match in straight sets..will surely make Fed give the kid some good spanking the next time they meet. My bet.. there will be atleast one bagel or a 6-1 set won by Fed ;-) in their next H2H match. He already has 2 bagels against Nadal (one on clay and one on grass)…

Von Says:
“Andy becomes angry with the umpire regarding bad calls, Djok on the other hand likes to intimidate the umpire by showing him that he is not going to be bound by the umpire’s warning. I would say there is a difference. ”
If you know what is sport about, you will never justify Rodick’s behaviour, specialy not using children as an amunition.
Also why are you trying to intimidate Djokovic, calling him Djok? Where is the end, how low you can go in insulting someone who did not do any harm to you?

“Regarding the bath room break during the Blake match..he did have one i remember.. cuz it was aired in the news channel over here in Sydney for different reasons though. He almost tripped over a ice-trolley and could have been injured during that break.”

Aaah, now I remember! The guy was like a ballet dancer when jumping over that ice-trolley:-)

“sometimes i feel he overused that slice backhand of his during the semi-final. That same BH slice had got lots of unforced errors from Djokovic during the US OPen finals and Fed tried to do the same here. Djok was ready for him this time… everytime there was low slice, Djoker was going for the lines and taking time away from Fed.”

Well, I can’t say he “overused” this shot, but Djoker certainly didn’t pay any respect to it! Almost every time Fed played those slice BHs, the Serb would answer with a crisp shot – either down the line or crosscourt, with almost each of those shots being hit very close to the lines (which forced Fed to go into defensive mode)… Djoker isn’t afraid to take risks on these shots, whereas Fed’s nemesis Nalby (who, in my opinion, still has the best doublehanded BH on the Tour) still hasn’t quite come to terms with this shot, often hitting a lot of UEs of it…

“Also why are you trying to intimidate Djokovic, calling him Djok? Where is the end, how low you can go in insulting someone who did not do any harm to you?”

Calling Djokovic “Djok” is just to shorten his name not having to spell out his whole name which is long. I call Federer, “Fed”, not because I like him, it’s easier to write it that way. I call “Andy, Andy, because it’s easier than writinh Roddick. It has nothing to do with intimidation. I refer to Baghdatis as “Baggy”.

How can I possibly intimdate someone who is not looking at me. To intimdate a person you have to be looking at them in a certain way by body language and also speaking. I can’t see the intimdation factor here. Staring down at someone is intimidation. I don’t see Novak anywhere in my home.

I think you’ve got it all wrong. True, I am not a fan of Novak’s, but this statement of how low can you go, i really not pertinent in this case.

Skorocel:
“Well, I can’t say he “overused” this shot, but Djoker certainly didn’t pay any respect to it!”

If you look at Fed’s game.. his returns are different to diff players. Most of the times he blocks those returns.. especially to Safin, Nadal etc and he uses his slice more like an offensive option(or more like a setting up his next shot which would be offensive) rather than a defensive one. He did more of this in US Open finals which did pay dividends, djoker was making some UFEs. Even Santoro troubled Djok with those slices in Paris. This time though, Djok was more than prepared for those slices and had a game plan of how to deal with them.

But i still maintain, Fed presisted with that play and over-used that shot more than he would normally do with other players. Maybe it wasnt just strategy.. he was just playin defensive cuz his attacking shots were only turing into UFE. But am pretty sure he will rethink his strategy the next time he plays Djok. I presume, it might be just all out attack with lots of serve-volley. He did do serve-volley in that third set and it was paying out. Pity he couldnt convert those set-points.

Djokovic is too good to lose 6:1/6:0 to any player on the tour. I don’t see that happening. Maybe Nadal can do that to Djokovic on the clay, and that’s about it. Djokovic’s game is getting closer and closer to perfection. His only problem is his fitness. Gets tired after big rallies. That’s why he got owned in last two matches against Nadal in RG. I still believe that Djokovic beat himself in USO final last year.

All of you who believe that Djokovic plays his best tennis now at age 20 is delusional. His best is yet to come, and when it comes it will be total domination.

Djokovic has the killer instinct, mentality of a champion, and he is extremely hard worker. Has clear and realistic goals.

All of you who hate Djokovic, and I see there are a lot of you here, I am afraid you can only hate him, and hope for his injury or drop of form.

Maybe not the best personality, but extremely good tennis. Again, his only weakness is his fitness, and that is something that is easy fixable. Other than that, he has no weaknesses. Weapons: great forehand, great serve, good on the net, great backhand, great returner…

“But am pretty sure he will rethink his strategy the next time he plays Djok. I presume, it might be just all out attack with lots of serve-volley. He did do serve-volley in that third set and it was paying out. ”

I think you’re right that Federer will come prepared the next time he and Djokovic meet. I am not sure the serve/volley always worked (would have to rewatch), but I do suspect Federer will attack more in the next two events, try to keep the points shorter and not get into long rallies. I think even Djokovic will be looking to finish off more points at the net, as I read another article the other day about him maybe going back to Woodforde as he did last July. Maybe we’ll have another shift in styles?

I don’t think Djokovic will be too disappointed if he loses to Federer next time and/or if he loses points at Indian Wells or Miami; he’s got a huge lead so it’s not like he’s going to lose his 3rd place spot to Davydenko or Ferrer – they’d have to win a few MS events or a GS to get even close. So Djokovic is secure at third, with the chance to go higher if he does well at future events.

Rafa will be looking to gain a lot of points in the clay season though, and for that reason, Roger may want a coach to guide him through the clay season. We all know he doesn’t need a coach on grass.

djokovic doesn’t have the stamina to last a long five setter. He never will. He does have a very nice game, but his arrogance will get in the way, it always does.

Fed was sick – anyone with one functioning eye could notice that in most of his matches, except the easiest ones at the start which were just over an hour long, with players very lowly ranked or way past their prime.

Djokovic still doesn’t have the goods to beat a peak fed in a best of 5 match. And he won’t, the rest of this season.

“Agree with you about food poisoning. Only who had it knows how it can affect your body, especially sports. Fed wasn’t 100%, that’s a fact!”

I’ll say this much when I had it and after, I did not have enough strength to swat a fly much less play a sport. I lost about 5 pounds, however, when I got better I ate twice the amount of food I used to eat.

Ros Says:
“Fed was sick – anyone with one functioning eye could notice that in most of his matches, except the easiest ones at the start which were just over an hour long, with players very lowly ranked or way past their prime”

Recovery time for food poinsoning is from 2 to 3 days. Full recovery is in about one week.

He had food poinsoning way before AUS Open, he played 3 matches before match with Djokovic. In total he had probably 3 to 4 weeks to recover. In a meantime he played 3 matches and on the press coference ( I beleive it was after the first match), he stated that he is fully recovered. So all there excuses how he did not had strength etc. are just bu*@!.
He almost lost match in US open, where only Djokovich’s mental barier of wining USOPEN, saved Federer to losing 3 matches in a row from him.
What is going to be an excuse for a next match, any thoughts?

After the first match these are Ferere’s words (before he knew he will lose the match in following week):
“I’m happy with my form – I wish it was like this every night,” he said.

“The important thing is I didn’t have any lapses mentally, give away easy points.

“I think I really played pretty tough, but I was happy the way things went and I served especially well.”

There was also a sick feeling for those further along the Open draw who had felt Federer might at last be vulnerable as the Swiss displayed the ominous signs he has so often before on his way to grand slam victory.

Federer confirmed the illness, which doctors believed was food poisoning, was long gone and that he was practising fully and fluently.

“I’m fine now. I’ve moved on mentally. I’m past being sick and looking forward to being healthy,” he said.

Federer now plays experienced Frenchman Fabrice Santoro in the second round.

Here is some more information to justify my statement (republished- as result of typo):

After the first match these are Federer’s words (before he knew he will lose the match in following week):
“I’m happy with my form – I wish it was like this every night,’’ he said.

“The important thing is I didn’t have any lapses mentally, give away easy points.

“I think I really played pretty tough, but I was happy the way things went and I served especially well.’’

There was also a sick feeling for those further along the Open draw who had felt Federer might at last be vulnerable as the Swiss displayed the ominous signs he has so often before on his way to grand slam victory.

Federer confirmed the illness, which doctors believed was food poisoning, was long gone and that he was practising fully and fluently.

“I’m fine now. I’ve moved on mentally. I’m past being sick and looking forward to being healthy,’’ he said.

Federer now plays experienced Frenchman Fabrice Santoro in the second round.

To bob22………most of the bloggers here will agree that once fed really starts swinging djoker will get his ass kicked.But unfortunately that game of his is really rare these days. He was using his B game in the US open and still managed to win in straight sets.Fed’s level in this profession is far different from the djokers.He is not a scrawny 20 year old trying to breakthrough to win his first slam.If djoker had come along 3 or 4 years ago he woulda lost to fed everytime.He has almost done it all and he is basically mentally and physically exhausted from the day in and day out thrashing he has been giving opponents, winning slam after slam every year.We’ll see if djoker has the nuts to pull off that feat.Now,Djoker comes out and beats an off peak fed and thinks that he kicked fed’s ass and that he is supposed to be the no.1.That’s bullshit to me.

Do you think Fed(or for that matter any other top player) would say he wasnt feeling well and give his opponents more hope during the tournament. Recovering from being sick and winning a match straight away is different to recovering and winning 5 matches(1 5-setter included). If anybody else were sick other than Fed, then they would have laster more than a couple of rounds.

If Djok was in Fed’s shoes he would have been playing 2 or 3 5 setters in a row and finally retiring by 3rd round…then complaing that he was in control of the match if not for the illness. Djok acts on the court when he has injury.. showz it to the opponent and to the crowd that he is suffering and if he is losing points its because of the injury. He was doin the same in the Final too.

Ahh, did you see in the final how he was laughing with the trainer and after the rubdown, he was just sprinting. In Hopman Cup he had the trainer out for his shoulder, after the medical timeout, he was serving aces. Go figure that one.

No. I am obsessed with him. When I see him my heart starts to beat very fast and I can’t control my feelings for him. I shake all the time. I am madly in love with him. Would you send me some money so that I can visit a psychiatrist, because I can’t control my feelings for him. I can’t eat or sleep. I am just wasting away, I need to see him all of the time. Please tell him how much I love him and how he is driving me crazy, because I am so madly in love with him.

I need some medical treatment. Now that he has won the grand slam, I think I’ll call him and tell him that i need to see a psychiatrist.

Are you happy now Branimir. I hope so, because this is the last time I am going to answer you. Bye, bye. So long.

Regarding Fed getting a coach.. some thoughts from the legend himself…

“I don’t think I can change my game drastically, and I don’t think I should, you know? I have the possibility to vary my game, and that’s my big strength,” Federer said. “In today’s game, it’s the details, so that’s what I have to keep working on. That’s maybe the reason why I have to look for someone else” to work with.

So it does mean Fed is looking for a coach.. a coach who can help in strategy and give inputs about other players. Probably Roche dint fit that bill cuz i dont see him watching video footage and stats of opponents and tapping their weaknesses.

I don’t think he needs a coach – if he watches the videos of his own matches at the Master Cup in Shanghai, and compares that to the Aussi Open, he’ll see the difference. He needs to attack because he can’t out hit Djokervic.

Roger’s twin sister
you are very right about the war and where these players grew up and how they are using this as a mercy-line.

I agree with you. If they use the war to attract attention, then at least they should condemn the genocide committed by their government.I can still remember the horrific pictures of starved Kosovans in Serb concentration camps.

“I think those commentators think people listening to them are either 10 years old or never followed the world news..”

The commentators insult the viewers’ intelligence. John MCEnroe just drools over the GS winner, and in the same breath he bad mouths A-Rod. He used to do the same with Sampras. What a bunch of soup mouths. I like Pam Shriver and MaryJo Fernandez,Cahill and P.Mc. The other members of the ESPN team are not worth mentioning.

I remember Katarina Witt going to Kosovo and she dedicated a figure skating show to them to generate funds for the Kosovans. It was an horrific act. And, people condemn Hitler, well I don’t think the Serbians were any better.

The tennis players will never mention the atrocities of the war because they’ll loose the royal, red carpet celebrations. They won’t have these glowing reports to mention. Argh..It sends chills down my spine. Their fan club can have them.

A footnote regarding the commentators and the short memories they possess. Roddick has been at the No.3-4 ranking with Davydenko and Ljubicic for a few years, however, there was never this emphasis on the No.3 spot, the focus was only on the top 2. Boy wonder became No. 3 in July ’07, and now he is the greatest thing that happened to tennis. Now it’s only the top 3 that matters. I guess all of the other top 10 players are chopped liver.

I know that I said that i would not say anymore about the GS champion, I guess I lied, sue me. This was one point that I did not remember to mention. I am not wrapped too tightly, and I have a loose screw in my head, so you’ll just have to excuse my insane mind.

However, I am confused, I have no idea who is a fan of whom anymore. A real switcheroo act suddenly happened after the AO semi-finals. Folks get real, the tennis season has just begun. There will be many twists and turns and changes in the ranking this year and we’ll see how much game wonder boy has.

Serbian fans please don’t waste your time directing any hate posts to me, they will fall on deaf ears.

I am reading all these negative comments and while I understand that every person has the right to his/her own opinion, I cannot but be surprised at some of the unusual allegations. I actually wonder if we watched the same man and read same comments. I cannot imagine how and why someone is considered “arrogant” for being honest and determined to reach his goals (?!). In all fields and aspects of life, being confident is praised as a virtue. It seems that only in tennis and only with certain individual(s) it cannot be the case. Shame on you people. Would you rather watch a boring cyborg or a good natured young athlete that bursts of vivacity, life, sense of humor, emotions… all the traits of a HUMAN BEING?! I am sorry, but tennis of late was a really tedious, repetitive and predictable matter. What, Fed and Rafa in most of the finals or if not the two of them, then one of them for sure? Common, give the kid some credit. He deserves it!

Usually, the “charges” against Djokovic are – his behaviour (!? I beg your pardon?) after good points, his family, his comments, his ball bouncing, his impersonations, his heritage, his God knows what else.

Lets see: – What behaviour? Isn’t it strange how everybody dislikes him when he celebrates a good point (think Rafa and his posing for cameras) but forget to mention that he shows respect and admiration to great points of his opponents. How many times have we seen him applaud the opponent? Also, I can hardly find any fault at being frustrated to uncivilized spectators who try to divert him during important points. One more thing: he is only 20. What were you like at that age? What was Fed’s behavior at that age?

His family – What “antics”?!? People rejoice and cheer for their son/brother just like any family anywhere would. What a sin!! It’s only normal. The deliberate positioning of French right behind Djokovic’s box gave them EVERY right to complain. (Although, I admit, mom should have kept quiet in some instances. Still, her comments have nothing to do with HIM).

His comments – So, he says he wants to be number 1. No false pretense, no hypocrisy. He is open, extrovert and honest. Those are, my friends, VIRTUES. He backs his words up with great performances. He is not talking junk. He is determined and strong minded. That’s a plus not a minus.
If his arrogance is seen in his comments, what can one say of Martina Hingis then? If someone needs reminding, let me know.

Ball bouncing – Within the 25 second timeframe between two serves, he can do WHATEVER he pleases. That time is given with a reason. I am astonished that people actually find his ball bouncing offending. Are you nuts?!?

Impersonations – So what? Everyone has something funny/interesting about them. If there were another player with Novak’s talents, I am sure he would have the opportunity to take inspiration from, lets say, Djokovic’s upright posture. And you know what? The Djoker would laugh. Sorry, but I find people who don’t know how to laugh at themselves, just empty shells. Besides, did you forget that he was reluctant to do the impersonations after hearing that some of the players found them offending? He did Maria knowing that she wouldn’t mind and that only after he was basically begged to. So, no harm done. See, he cares.

I mean, what exactly is your problem? I have a feeling it has nothing to do with tennis.
Seems like people can’t forgive the success of/to those of small nations. One only needs remember what happened to Monika Seles.
Novak may be Proud but you are Prejudiced :)).

Danica,
Again, you are telling people what they should like about someone. It is a personal choice. please undertand that. you may like impersonations, i may not like them. doesn’t make any of us a better or a worse person.

I just came back to write one last post on this topic and I won’t comment on this anymore. So feel free to say whatever you want. No reply from me!

You Djoko fans, have all the right to enjoy this moment. he has won a grand slam in a young age and he is the star right now. He has more than 5000 points, much more than many former world No 1s. These are all great achievements.

If I don’t like some things about him, it is my personal opinion and I feel entitled to. But no one denies how talented Djoko is. I am sure we will see lots of Djoko in the coming years. we like it or not, he is a force in men’s tennis now and he is for real. So, congratulations to you all and to Djoko for this great achievement.

I am not going to be generous as Zola is, concerning her comment: “You Djoko fans, have all the right to enjoy this moment. he has won a grand slam in a young age and he is the star right now. He has more than 5000 points, much more than many former world No 1s. These are all great achievements.”

I am making it perfectly clear at this moment, I DO NOT like him or his TENNIS style. I don’t know what the big fuss is all about. He has maybe a few shots that’s worth mentioning, but I won’t sit glued to my TV set to watch a match when he is playing. I only watched the AO finals to see TSONGA not DJOKOVIC. Tsonga has a nice game and great net play.

As I stated in my previous post, I am going to watch when next Djokovic meets Federer, and even though I dont’ like to use some words, I am going to say that I hope Federer puts a beating on Djokovic’s ‘ASS’ that he’ll remember for the rest of his life And, Branimir, you said Fed can’t beat Djokovic, 6-1, 6-0, that’s what I hope he does, just so you could shut . Ryan, add the missing words for me. You are more eloquent in this department than I am.

This matter is now closed for discussion with me from any of you.

Again, I am not going to be nice like Zola. I am going to say, Ryan, go man, go, just sock it to them. Add some for me.

These people have harassed me for over a week, every night, it’s about time I get some revenge.

Ryan,
you are mistaken bro. Djokovic has been saying he would be #1 since he was four. His comment has nothing to do with beating Federer. On the contrary, he said that Fed’s gonna be back. And he will.

On the other side, Fed was beaten and that is that. Not just by Novak, but by many in the past few years. We shouldn’t be looking for excuses. Everyone can have a bad day, or a bad week or just a better opponent… Has any of you practiced any sport? If so, you should know.

It remains to be seen whether their next match up will be similar. I can hardly wait.

As for everyone talking about the “wonder boy”, again, that is media for you. They chose stories and can make stars out of anyone. It’s a matter of moment and is hardly his doing. But truth be told, he is talented.

well.. even i dont feel his game is something that would keep me glued to the TV. i would prefer to watch Fed, Nadal, Safin, Baggy, Gasquet, Tsonga.. even Haas or Murray.

Djoker is talented.. but nothing special about him that he would be a dominant No 1. Safin or Hewitt have won Grand slams when they were younger. Becker, Nadal, Borg, McEnroe were much younger when they first wont their first grand slams.. so winning one at 20 doesnt make him extra special. Infact i would say, Fed was too late to have won his 1st GS when he was 21. He has good chance in 2001 at age of 19 when he defeated Sampras at wimbledon but lost of Henman in 4 close sets. But he never mouthed off saying he wants to be No 1.

Even if he reaches No 1.. it would be a short stay there like Kafelnikov, Rios etc. I dont think he can constantly stave off threats like Baggy, Nadal, Murray, Gasquet… and the emperor Federer himself.

Thank you. Roddick won his first and only slam at 21 too. He could have done it the year before if Younes El Ananayou did not keep him in the last set for the longest 5th set in history at the AO.

Djok’s fans can call me stupid, foolish, idiotic, anything, but I still think his game is boring. I am happy for those who like his game, I don’t. Give me Sampras and Becker, Roddick and Agassi, and a few others. You can keep the Djok. He is not my cup of tea, period!

You stop your harassment. You asked about Ana. No, I don’t like her either. I dont like her tennis. All she has is a serve. When she walks or run, she looks clumsy and gawky. I can’t stand her nasal tone. You said she’ll be No. 1. Is that all that’s important to you. You plays her cute games too, with those squeaky shoes just as her opponent is ready to serve. Pam Shriver says she does not put anything past these cutiepies. That being said, I don’t trust her too.

You did not mention Jelena. Guess what, I DONT like her too. She is too arrogant and always has a medical timeout. I think there is a competition between her and Novak about how many injury time-outs they can get away with.

I’ve said all I had to say to you. Leave me alone. Your behavior is tantamount to harassment. Get a dictionary if you can’t comprehend my statements, but just leave me alone. You think this is fun, get your fun another way. You’re a sick man.

Thanks for the encouragement. Your posts are honest and direct. You’ve got the guts to say what you feel and stick to it. You don’t teeter back and forth and jump on the bandwagon of the switcheroo gang. You stay true to what you feel. I like consistency in people. As I stated before, with the exception of a few fans who stay loyal to their chosen players, it’s become very confusing to me as to who is rooting for whom. It used to be different, but since the results of the AO semi-finals, so many have jumped on the Djokovic bandwagon. People are fickle. I know that and I should not be surprised, but I am. Amazing.

Again, thanks for your help, at least I know there’s someone real. Zola and Tejuz you are two loyal fans. I admire you. You’re true, honest and loyal.

My post was not addressed to you; I took issue with what rogers twin sister said, not only about war and propaganda, but also about Tipsarevic and Djokovic having some kind of conspiracy to take down Federer.

That’s silly; Tipsy won the Aussie Open in 2001 as a junior; he’s a great player. But I see him as a bit like Tsonga in that he hasn’t been able to realize his potential in the pros for various reasons. But he has a new coach so we’ll see what transpires.

The reason I posted last night is that I just really believe that a country should not be attacked, or players lumped together. Remember how much you had to write to people who calling all Americans “stupid” or whatever? It’s not fair. I got the same reaction last night. I don’t see how the Serbian players can “denounce” the war; it would put them in a difficult situation as there are imminent elections there. Same with, say, James Blake – maybe he’s against the war in Iraq, but should he denounce it publically? I would say no. My comment about Haas was a joke of course.

I agree with you guys 100% that the announcers play things up, and maybe these young players feel proud to tell their personal stories, maybe they’re caught up in the media hype. But it’s also connected to the fact that suddenly *several* Serbian players have burst onto the scene and are performing really well so the press is looking for a tagline.

About the deviated septum – well I am no medical expert; that’s just what I’ve read. And I’ve not had the operation myself so I can’t comment. I do know that sometimes it takes more than 1 surgery for it to be fixed 100% (I think Jelena was talking about that). But I’ve also heard that Djok may have some sort of asthma that’s induced by heat and stress (Luke Jenson said it). So I don’t know what causes his breathing issues, but I think most of all it’s his nerves; he needs to get a handle on them, no doubt. But I think he’s getting better. We’ll see.

Listen, I don’t want to offend anyone – and I don’t want to be lumped in with Banimir! Or Ryan for that matter.

I don’t use invective and I try not to insult anyone. I am just looking for a little balance. I have a number of players I cheer for: Rafa, Djokovic, Murray, Roddick, Safin, Baggy. I wouldn’t even call myself “a Djokovic fan” in so far as “fan” is connected to fanatic!

I just love tennis.

I just want to talk about tennis; I shot myself in the foot by piping up. I wish I hadn’t.

Von, I hope we can just leave this subject behind and talk about tennis peacefully when there is more to watch.

I have always said to you I don’t have one player that I root for, and that my favorites are as above. I am honest and haven’t switched loyalties. I just felt compelled to defend Djokovic because I like him and thought he deserved to win. If people were attacking Murray or Rafa or any of the players I enjoy, I’d do the same.

I’d defend players I don’t cheer if I thought it was fair; for example, when Federer won against Tipsy I commented what a great match it was, that the better player won, and that Federer was great in his post-match interview, very gracious.

As I say, I just try to be balanced and fair in my commentary without insulting people.

Tejuz is a Fed-fan but he always sticks to tennis and I like that; I am going to try to follow his example. SG is pretty good in this regard to. So anyhow, I hope we can stick to the game we love and not get into other issues that end up in a whirlygig.

I saw that your post was not addressed to me. But it did touch on the subject matter to which I was referring. I didn’t think it was fair to Zola and Ryan to take all of the heat, because I contributed to the arguments. That being said I stated my feelings.

“I don’t see how the Serbian players can “denounce” the war; it would put them in a difficult situation as there are imminent elections there.”

That’s exactly my point. They won’t say anything about the atrocities of the war because they are playing both sides. They just love the glory celebrations, so much so,that they all expound on how wonderful an experiece it is. I just hope they can live with themselves enjoying glory while others had to pay a huge price.

“…but also about Tipsarevic and Djokovic having some kind of conspiracy to take down Federer.”

I don’t feel that you give Djokovic enough credit for his guile, duplicity, and manipulative schemes. You defend his calculated injury time-outs. I could see that conspiracy plot so clearly. However, I did not mention my feelings on that matter because I know how his fans behave and starting an argument is not what I wanted.

Djokovic mentioned he advised Tipsy to not go out with a “white, I surrender flag.” Djok was making his calculated, tactical moves. He is a tactician and is very cunning. He knew he would meet Federer in the semis if he played his cards right, and he also knew that Fed was not well. He wanted the GS in the worst way. He also knew that if Tipsy got blown away by Fed in 3 sets, then Djok won’t have a chance of winning the GS, because Fed would still have some fuel left in the tank.

I am positive that he wanted Tipsy to really take it to Fed for his own opportunistic reasons, not for Tipsy. Ifipsy won, Djok knew Tipsy would be tired; and, that being the case, Djok felt he could easily beat Tipsy. He’s a great friend, don’t you think. I wouldn’t want to meet him in a dark alley. However, things did not go as planned, Tipsy lost, but Fed lost also, he was too weak from his bout of food poisoning and that 5 setter with Tipsy. I don’t think anyone else was as happy as Djok when Fed got sick, and Djok capitalized on it big time. ajust look at the match with Ferrer, do you really think he would have lasted in a 5 setter with player.

I am sorry, I am not naive. I lost my naivete’ having to deal with criminal minds. In a way it’s good, because I don’t look through rose colored lenses anymore. It doesn’t take much to see through Djok’s schemes. His bag of tricks will soon dry up, and he’ll end up being one sorry loser. It’s very obvious that there’s no love lost between Fed and Djok. Fed has been very vociferous about Djoks tricks.

I have been bombarded by Djok’s Serbian fans, and up to just a few minutes ago this jerk Branimir is still continuing with his childish behavior. I think he is going through adolosence. I can’t envision an adult behaving in this manner; only a complete idiot would behave like he does. Branimir you need an “English 101″ class plus some comprehension skills, because it is clear to me you can’t grasp anything written and you intend to make a nuisance of yourself. You thrive on this kind of behavior.

Jane, i don’t have a problem sticking to Tennis and if you can believe it, I absolutely dislike these arguments, but althugh I despise being argumentative, I am not going to roll over and play dead.

I hope we can continue to talk about Tennis in an amiable manner. That being said, I am finished with this topic.

Good then – let’s move on. I am looking forward to seeing what happens in Dubai. I know you both love tennis as much as me, whether we agree on Djokovic or not. And the tennis is why we’re here after all.

“Good then – let’s move on….I know you both love tennis as much as me, whether we agree on Djokovic or not.”

Then that’s settled, however, I don’t want to discuss Djok, much more mention his name. If you mention him, then I’ll stay out of the post and would neither say yes, or no. I don’t need to start World War III. WW II, was enough for humanity, even though I was not around at that time, my history books gave me a pretty good picture, and my mom and dad, even though children at that time, have mentioned what it was like in those days.

Angel,
Believe me Serbia doesn’t need you to defend them like this! Anyway, you’re a bit late because this case is closed now! and I am not going to reply. But regarding Djoko’s tennis you can read my comments in these two related threads.

You are going to do everything in your power to eek a response out of us, aren’t you? I am not nice like Zola when I come across an amoeba. Look that word up in the dictionary. I know you that you are clueless as to its meaning. I gave you some homework to do. Did you find out what those words meant?

I’ll just give you a hint. About a month ago you were defending Federer, now you have jumped over to the other side. You are what’s called a “traitor,” a soup mouth. You use any and everything on which to unleash your frustrations.

I knew you were clueless, because you spouted off about the USA. If you read my posts you’ll know I am an American citizen and not a janitor. Is that what you are? There’s nothing wrong with being a janitor, it is a job and honest work. But, there are people such as yourself who feel that because they are working in maybe, what they determine to be a better job, that a janitor’s job is infra dignitatem. Look those words up in the dictionary. Have you noticed how much you are learning from my answers.

Now be a good little guy and run along to the library to get something into those dead brain cells. I will not answer your drivel anymore. Got it!

For all Djokovic haters:
Djokovic announced today that his goal is to get to number two on the ATP list, because he thinks he is that good. Wow. Arrogant bastard strikes again telling the press his goals. :)

Let’s be realistic here: there will never be a player that everyone loves. You may think that Federer is adored by everyone but he isn’t. As someone who is a huge tennis fan, I personally never admire someone just because they are #1 in the rankings…. I actually prefer someone with talent AND personality. And Novak has that. So what if he is more outspoken than Fed? They are 2 different people with 2 different personalities. And to call him cocky?? If Novak saying “My goal is to be number 1 player in the world” is cocky, then what exactly do you say to the fact that Fed has invited Sampras, 9 MONTHS IN ADVANCE if I may add, to come to US Open finals and watch him break Sampras’ record?? Isn’t that just a bit too cocky to assume you are going to take AO, Wimbledon and US Open?? Gee… too bad that Novak kind of screwed up that plan for Fed. My opinion is that every tennis player should have a goal to be the best player – otherwise you just shouldn’t even go out there to compete. But the fact that Fed’s comments will fly under the radar (because.. well, he’s just so sweet, right?!) and every little thing Novak says is analyzed to bits, is just silly. What is this? Are people afraid that their precious little Fed has competition now? What absolutely blows me away is that Aussies were more than happy to boo Novak for saying: “I am proud of the way I played today” yet they don’t boo Rodick for acting like the most immature little brat who thinks that he has right to verbally abuse the chair person. His 5 minute rant out there on the court (during the match with that german guy) was disgusting. I have been watching tennis for the past 25 years and I am more than happy to see new and exciting players taking a stage. I am sorry… but it was getting little boring with Roger “mr robot” Federer winning everything.
Novak: more power to you! …. and i hope you prove all of the non believers wrong.

After two weeks of incessant chatting and shoulder-rubbing with so many tennis superstars at the Australian Open, I can’t help it. I’ve absobed all their insights.

Even when I’m nonchalantly munching on my lamb pasta in the media cafe, I’m surrounded hither and thither by the likes of Mats Wilander, Martina Navratilova or Jim Courier (who have a total of 29 Grand Slam singles titles between them) sitting at the next table, sharing their wisdom about how these young guns can win these days.

From what I’ve noticed, it all begins with a positive mindset. Marcos Bagdhatis is the reigning king of Happyland, proclaiming after his incredible five-set loss to Lleyton Hewitt: ‘I’m very happy. I live for matches like this…It’s a pleasure even losing it’.

Give this man a life-coach certificate – he doesn’t even need to take the exam to start his career as a motivational speaker.

Nowhere have I heard the word ‘positive’ bandied around more often than at this Grand Slam.

Ana Ivanovic, the most popular player this year, also has that mantra, as she says: ‘I try to support myself and just be positive’.

Well, she was positively crying after that anti-climactic final, but hey, at least she was positive in some way.

Her countryman and this year’s men’s champion Novak Djokovic, shared his secret of beating Roger Federer: ‘I knew that I have to believe in myself in the first place and I have to be positive on the court.’

That’s the other view that seems to be a priority on players’ minds – self-belief.

Another Serbian (they did very well this year, so I’m thinking of taking a holiday there to understand more of this winning spirit) Janko Tipsarevic, who pushed Federer to five sets and almost won, said that he had gone on court ‘with the idea that I can win’.

However, it’s one thing to have positive belief in yourself, and another to be out there and have your ass positively whooped.

What do the champions do in times like these? Well, very simply, they fight.

Serena Williams is proud of this aspect of her character, saying: ‘I just wanted to win. I just wanted to fight. That’s how I always am.’

Jelena Jankovic, (yet another Serbian. I’m booking my flight there now) who has verbalised her acting aspirations, added some drama, saying that even when she’s injured, ‘I’m like a wounded animal, but I still keep going. The most important thing is that I fight on the court, I always give my best and I never give up’.

Someone, give her an Oscar, please, I’ve got tears in my eyes.

But truly, theirs is a tough and challenging life, rife with early morning runs around the court, sweating under the hot sun, developing all manner of skin cancers and spots, and the pain of constant injury.

Maria Sharapova, the current champion, declared (a little defensively, I thought) that she didn’t get to being world No. 1 by ‘waking up and eating ice-cream. I’ve worked for all the things I’ve achieved’.

Hahaha Von,
you are not the magnet. At least, it wasn’t just you that “inspired” me ( I can’t say about the others) to add a few lines here. I was merely reading not wishing to impose on anyone.

I don’t care about personal favorites of any one of you, I just found it strange that people, it seems, expect everybody to act the same, say same things at press conferences and so on. I also noticed a lot of double standards (already used to that so far). But thank God we are not all the same!
However, when I said that a number of posts here went out of line, I wasn’t mistaken. Few of the posts were very insulting and those actually “forced” me to finally respond.

Do I watch the said TV show? No, I guess I have much more important things in my life. I like the game, I like sports, I used to be an athlete, sport is a part of me… But I am not into dissecting someone’s every word or action. Sadly, war is part of our lives. Speaking of empty swimming pool and hiding in the basement is much more civil than Ivanisevic’s remarks on imagining a Serb’s head in the place of a tennis ball.

Zola,
your using of the word “Kosovans” speaks volumes of your knowledge (or, rather, lack of) on the conflicts in ex-YU. That clearly spells you were only watching CNN and such similar junk. Unlike you who only have “friends”, I had family in Bosnia and Kosovo. Ask your friends about conc camps run by their leaders.

Nik,
right on!!! ;) You’ve said it. Have nothing more to add.

Jelena Gencic, a mentor and coach to both Seles and Ivanisevic, said about Novak that she has never seen such talent since Monika. So far, her words proved to be true. We’ll see what happens next. I am all excited about this year. [Truth be told, I would rather see Janko and Viktor (Troicki - lost to Fed 6:7,6:7) progress than Novak.]

van,ryan,zola,..bigfot/u have all those names/
Branimir put youtube video about Novak,I do not understand a word he is saiing why don’t u translate for us here to hear what didi he say!
thank uuuuuuuu:)))
u r sooo nice and polite and like tennis I can tell that u r an expert is tennis:))))
Why does he show 3 fingers..do u do the same whan u r happy???what does that mean?

Three fingers is how Serbs/orthodox cross/cruise. Sorry, I don’t know the right term in English language. Three fingers stand for Father, Son and Holy Ghost/Spirit, but lately it’s little overused in Serbia. It is used to show national pride, kind of the act to say: “Proud to be Serb.”

I will not translate word for word of what he has said put I can paraphrased it:
Basically he is saying that he is very happy that he won his first grand slam, and that he is hoping for more in near future. He is also great full that Tennis is so popular now in Serbia, and it never was before. He also mentioned all other player: Ana, Jelena, Janko, Viktor, Boris. He also said that he is sorry that “girls” and Janko are not there with him, but he promised that there will be time for that very soon. He thanked everybody for getting up early to watch his game and bringing positive energy, and he said that he is happy that he won the tournament so all this getting up early and watching tennis was meaningful.

Great man Novak Djokovic. Big champion. I can’t wait for him to win Wimbledon. It will be sooner or later. :)

An (naturally) excited mom said:‘This is the first of many Grand Slams. You need to remember that. Write it down.’ Sure. Why not? What was she supposed to say? “Oh, I am terribly sorry my son won the tournament. I will make sure he that doesn’t happen again”. Just ridiculous to say that this statement is off-putting. Now, the one about the new king and a dead king IS something else – totally stupid and ignorant and tasteless. So, for everyone’s sake, she should keep her mouth shut.

Some of the posts here are so malicious that they border on hate. Novak’s comments are fine as well as his behaviour (which one cannot say about Fed who didn’t even shake his hand after their Davis Cup match). His family cheers him on and enjoys his good play. Are we to expect them to sit still as if in theatre?!

No, he needs to leave his family at home and find not-so-good looking, little overweight girlfriend, which will be with him during every match, so the director can switch to her every once in awhile. :)

I would like for both of you to understand that it’s about time that we all stop this nonsense concerning posting back and forth with respect to making angry statements and hurling insults and to stop the provocation and persecution. We are at check mate, we are at anan impasse, and we need to make a choice about which path we are going to follow. We need to make a concerted effort to co-exist peacefully with each other discussing Tennis, a sport we all love. If it weren’t for Tennis we won’t be posting on this site.

Please try to understand I do not ‘hate’ Djokovic, and I don’t think that anyone on this site hates him. Those who don’t like him ‘dislike’ his behavior, or the way he plays his game or it could be one of many things. I am positive that if you looked up both words in the dictionary you will see that ‘dislike’ does not have the same meaning as ‘hate’. Hate is a very strong emotion which leads to wishing and hoping that something terrible happens to the other person. Some people harm or kill others because of hate. I am sure, or would hope, that no one on this site would want for anything terrible to happen to Djok or would want to harm him in anyway.

Tennis is a “gentleman’s” sport. Each player has his own fans. It’s called freedom of choice.

There are two groups of fans. The first group are those fans who like players who are respectful, humble and polite in their behavior. These are the people who set very high standards for themselves and all others around them concerning behavior and frown upon disrespectful, boastful and loud/crude behavior from anyone or any player. However, these same people, at times, would make an exception if a player is their fellow countryman.

The second group are people who like certain players because of the style of tennis that is employed by their favorite players. These people do not see anything wrong with their players boastful, disrespectful or loud/crude behavior. In their eyes the players they like can do no wrong and, they turn their eyes away from seeing such behavior. They have on blinders. Additionally, if the players are from their country then their feelings are even more justified.

There’s nothing wrong with either group. Each one of us has the right to choose who they like and are also entitled to their opinions and we have to respect that.

Djok has a tendency to be boastful and some of his mannerisms are arrogant. Some people like that about him and some people don’t.

I am psitive that both of you have at sometime in your lives come into contact with people whom you dislike. Sometimes people are introduced to people and at that moment they see something in that person which causes them to dislike the other person forever, and what’s even worse is that the other person probably did not say or do anything whatsoever to cause that dislike but it just happens. I know that you both know what I am talking about.

I am a Roddick fan. When I initially began posting I offended a lot of Fed’s fans by my criticism of him, and believe me I got blasted. I was very hurt and I wanted to stop posting. Additionally, I realized that there are more Federer fans posting on every Tennis site than there are fans of other athletes posting. The ratio is about 8:1, or maybe 10:1. I had to learn and accept that I had a choice, I can either stop posting, or I can continue posting but to stay within the parameters of the unwritten rules, and that was not be too critical of Federer and not force my favorite players on the Fed fans or other players’ fans. For example, I can make some comments about Federer but in small doses, and I need to tone down any comments about Roddick. So I just toe the line so to speak. Do I like it, not relaly, but I like Tennis, that being the case, I have to respect other people’s choices and accept that they have a right to their opinions, and I in turn hope that they would also accord me the same respect. There has to be mutual respect between peers in any situation or system to work.

Branimir and Danicka, my discussion will now turn to both of you.

When Djok won the semi-finals, he made a lot of boastful remarks which some of Fed’s fans and other players’ fans did not like and they aired their opinions.

Then when Djok won the Championship all hell broke loose. I saw posts from fans that I had not seen before, and I wondered where did these people come from. It was amazing. However, Djok’s fans did not like the comments that were made concerning Djok and that turned into a “war”. The first mistake his fans made, concerned the fact that they refused to understand and accept that everyone is entitled to their opinions, we have freedom of speech, and we are free to make our own choices. Because Djok’s fans did not understand or would not accept the other posters’ entitlement to their opinions, they became very angry and began to hurl insults and make provoking comments towards the non-Djok fans. We were called stupid names, accused of being “Muslim” or “Albanian”. We were told that we hated Serbians and was jealous of Djok’s championship win. We were labeled as being “hateful” and “malicious.” However, none of this is true and it has not stopped. however, it needs to stop now.

Well, now we have a situation that is at an impasse, we the non-Djok fans want to stop this nonsense and forget the whole thing, but it seems that the Djok fans do not want to stop.

Please tell us what we can do to help you. Do you want an apology. If yes, then I apologize for any remarks that I have made to offend you. However, it’s not going to make me like Djok any more than I do at present, but given time, who knows I could begin to like him, because I feel that he is a smart youngman and he will turn the situation around. However, I will do my utmost not to post any comments that will offend you about Djok.

I also apologize for any comments made against Serbia. You feel that we are heartless about the war in Serbia. We are not. No one likes war wherein millions of innocent people are killed and I can understand your pain and I sympathize with you. I honestly do. We are not jealous of Djok’s success. We would all like to see our favorite players win more titles or grand slams and Djok also. Perhaps in time Fed’s dominance will wane and other players will win. Only God can see into the future, we can’t. But I feel at this time we should not start a war among ourselves, there’s a lot of fighting and killing all around the world.

I would like to make a proposl. How about if we try to post to each other or you Djok’s fans post between yourselves, and we leave you alone to post on Djokovic, but the insults and the provocation towards us must stop. Maybe, we will enjoy reading your posts and you ours, and we will do our very best so as not to offend you.

Branimir, I think you have a sense of humor. I have been reading some of your posts and you make me laugh. Maybe, if I see something in your post that I think is funny I’ll let you know. And, Danica, you seem to be a smart guy, how about if you and Branimir post to each other and talk about Djok but refrain from any sarcastic comments toward us. The two of you can have a converssation going, just like I have with Jane, Zola, and Tejuz, and maybe, if you feel so inclined you could join in our conversations and we’ll join in yours. But we have to adhere to the rules, no sarcasm and no criticisms about the other fans’ players, and we will refrain from any criticisms and sarcasm about Djok. I think that a fair deal for all concerned.

I know that both Branimir and Danica agree with Zola, Jane, Tejuz and myself that Djok’s mom should shut up and leave the talking to Djok.

Well guys, this is the best I can do. I know you are hurt, and I am sorry for any pain I have caused you, but, please remember that we are hurt also. I look forward to hearing from you both with respect to your feelings on this matter. Thank you for your cooperation.

PS: I know there are typos, I hope not too many, but I am sorry, I can’t proof-read.

It looks like people are so used to liers so now it’s simply rude to be honest, it’s not a virtue anymore. That’s so sad. But I bet Federer is also honest when he says that he doesn’t care who will win Australian Open (just because it won’t be him) – people are so blind.

Russian Davis Cup captain Shamil Tarpishchev said his team had fully deserved their victory against Serbia on Sunday despite the fact the visitors were hit hard by illness and injury.

Novak Djokovic was forced to retire from his match against Nikolay Davydenko with exhaustion, handing the Russians an unassailable 3-1 lead in their first-round tie.

The Australian Open champion had been suffering from a virus and did not play on Friday, while Serbian number two Janko Tipsarevic was sidelined from the three-day tie altogether by a stomach bug and ankle injury.

Much has been said and written about Serbia’s misfortunes

“That’s true, but it shouldn’t make our victory less satisfying because we also had our share of injuries and sickness,” he said.
“We had three players, Davydenko, (Mikhail) Youzhny and (Marat) Safin carrying minor injuries while Marat also had a high fever.

“Safin probably contracted the virus from Djokovic,” Tarpishchev joked. “Today, he was too sick to even sit in the stands, he was laying flat on the couch in the team’s dressing room, cheering on the guys.

Tarpishchev’s counterpart,Serbian Bogdan Obradovic, was gracious in defeat.
“I would like to congratulate the Russian team on their victory,” the Serbian captain said.
“We had come here with great hopes of doing well. It’s just a bad luck that three of our top players became unfit to play as (doubles specialist) Nenad Zimonjic was also feeling sick.”

Von, I am sorry, but is there anything you’d like to say to this Ryan guy or we are dealing with double standards yet again?

And I’ll repeat – I have nothing against anyone having their favorite players and not sharing my views. I am infuriated when the talk of tennis goes the wrong path (politics) specially by those who have no clue whatsoever about it. However, I am also just saying what I think. As you said, the First Amendment is my right too.

PS: I am not sure that Branimir and I are on the same page when it comes to Nole simply because I am rooting more for Janko’s and Troicki’s talent to FINALLY surface.

“Von, I am sorry, but is there anything you’d like to say to this Ryan guy or we are dealing with double standards yet again?”

Danica, I’ll write a post to Ryan to ask him to ignore these stupied posts from Angel and Charles Davis, who is not really Charles Davis, but another one of Djok’s Serbian fans. However, you must agree that these people are going out of their way to attack us, why, because we don’t like Djok. There aren’t any double standards here. Ryan is angry, and in his case, it’s hard not to be angry. As soon as we try to move on, angel and his gang just starts all over again. Perhaps you could post something in your Serbian language to make them understand that it is not right for them to harass Ryan, or me or anyone else.

I like Janko and Troicki. They are very respectful and humble and Troicki has a good game, and of course Janko made Federer work in the AO. Troicki proved his tennis skills in Davis Cup. If Janko was not sick, I think that Serbia would have had a good chance against Russia. But Russia is a tough team to beat, they have a lot of skilled players.

I like all players that are humble and have a good game. I do not discriminate. I like Moya who is in the Top 20-30, because he is a humble guy, and so are many lower ranked players. Nole is a different story, which I won’t go into, because you can understand the consequences. I am tired of this, surely you can understand that.

You have every right to voice your opinions, however, it’s not what a person says sometimes, it’s how they say it. We have to respect people’s opinions and not get angry if they have their own views. That being said, I will post to Ryan and ask him to ignore these people.

I hope that this is aatisfactory to you.

This person Charles Davis has gone through the old posts from Angel and others and has started everything all over again and angel is having fun. If they don’t stop their posts will be deleted, because Sean is not happy about this situation. That will be bad for everyone.

How are you doing? I am so sorry about the provocation and idiotic remarks. I would like to ask you a favor and that is to ignore these stupid and agravating posts from angel and his gang. If you ignore them they’ll go away. I have asked Danica to post to them in their language to ask them to stop. So my friend, I am kindly asking you also to ignore them and not answer their posts. Thanks bro.

“Well, Novak is 20 only, so , we can forgive this uprising kid some “cockiness”.About “Serbian domination”, notice Federer’s dramatic five-set escape against Serbian No.2 Janko Tipsarevic in the third-round – and subsequent loss to Djokovic six days later. And more : both defending champions for AU Open GS are outplayed by Serbs. Federer lost to Serbia Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams lost to Serbian Jelena Jankovic. And even more : both US women champions, i.e. sisters Williams , were knocked out from Serbian players : Ana Ivanovic took Venus and Jelena Jankovic outplayed Serena . Finaly for the Serbians: Novak Djokovic, men’s singles champion; Ana Ivanovic, women’s singles runner-up; Jelena Jankovic, women’s singles semifinalist. Could this country accomplish anymore? Actually, yes — Serb Nenad Zimonjic, along with Chinese partner Tiantian Sun won the mixed-doubles golden crown. Congrats to the young Serbs !”

A couple of weeks ago you asked for the “racist” comments to stop. However, there are some Djokovic Serbian supporters who refuse to stop. When Djokovic won the AO, everyone posted remarks about what they felt. Some posted on his behavior, remarks, his actions toward the crowd and his parents behavior. However, these Djokovic fans objected to our posts and began an onslaught of abuse, racial slurs and name calling.
They are now going back to this thread, which was removed from the recent comments and placed in the X-blog comments and are quoting portions of those posts back to Ryan, Tejuz, Zola and myself. These people harass us. I have requested many times that they stop. That’s too civilized. Additionally, they are picking out portions of other posters comments and using those posts to us and to stir up their Serbian friends who are now posting.

Instead of this problem going away it is being repeated over and over and has gotten worse. Now they are posting several times under different names.

Tejuz and myself were referred to as “gays”. They have harassed Ryan by taunting him until he becomes very angry and answers their post with some not too nice words. When they are satisfied that he is absolutely angry, they start it all over again, with their taunts and name calling. However, they all say they want peace and they don’t want to argue. That is a lie. I would think that if someone wants to stop a problem they would refrain from rehashing it. Not so with these people. Their statements about peace sometimes is a joke. They also claim that their English is poor, as if that has stopped them.

The gang consists of Marko:Serbia, Charles Davis, which is not his real name, angel, maja, Bob 22 and some others. They also post multiple times.

In Marko’s post to Tejuz and myself he dictated that we only need to post once or twice and we must stop, because he has decided that 2 posts is enough for us.

If you go back to January 27th to the present time, you’ll see the racist posts, on the Roger Federer Super Bowl thread, this thread, Djokovic, Tsonga, add Intrigue to the 2008 season,and Djokovic not so Funny Anymore.

Sean, I hope you can do something about this situation because these people refuse to stop. Thanks.

Sean, I think you should close this blog since most of the postings are very insulting, discriminating and primitive. The other solution will be proper registration to enforce right authentication and access control. Sean you are responsible since insults are continuing! This is not about tennis any more. Instead it an opportunitu to post discriminatory statements against Serbian athlets, their relatives and their fans! This must stop. Who ever posts insulting remarks shold be pay consequences!

To Luke:
This tread, up to this moment has around 190 postings. Of these 51 were posted only by one user ( i am not counting other blogs on this website where he keeps the same pattern). In most of them he is attacking other people that had no more then couple postings. He did indicate that tennis is not his obsession but he he obsessed with this blogs and arguing with number of people. My recommendation is to advice him that he should reduce his workload and give others a chance to speak. As result discussion will be reduced only to tennis that is our obsession.

Gordon says:
**My recommendation is to advice him that he should reduce his workload and give others a chance to speak.***
————-

Luke,
Since when we set limits to how many times a person can write here? This is outrageous.

I have been posting here for more than a year and this is the first time I read something like this. First of all one person’s posts as frequent as it can be, doesnt mean other people can’t post. Secondly, there are people here who sign up with different names and try to show that they are different people. You can easily track that by comparing the IP adresses.

This all goes back to some people’s attitude who do not like to read criticism on Novak Djokovic. Guys, if you can reason back, then do it. Don’t resort to threats, foul language ,racism patriotism and cencorship.
(Luke, if you want I can go through the posts and send you examples on how these so-called fans attack people)

I comment on several other sites. tennis.com, sportingo , rn.com, and have never seen anything like what Gordon suggests here. I have nothing against moderators removing or banning messages with foul language or racist contents, but if you want to tell people how many times they can express their opinion, I will be out of here.

“This all goes back to some people’s attitude who do not like to read criticism on Novak Djokovic. Guys, if you can reason back, then do it. Don’t resort to threats, foul language ,racism patriotism and cencorship.”

I agree with Zola per the above statement.

These ridiculous statements concerning how many times a poster is allowed to post began when a tidal wave swept in a new batch of posters, viz., the “Djokovic Serbian fans”, after Djokovic’s victory over Federer at the’08 AO. They descended in droves and are omnipresent, messing up each thread, irregardless of the theme of the thread. It has now become very difficult to stick to each thread’s theme.

These posters have many names, viz., Branimir, Danica, Bob22, Alex, Veka, Maja, Marko,Serbia, Angel, Gordon, and Charles Davis, (who coincidentally appeared the weekend of the Davis Cup matches, using the separate names of Charles and Davis), and posted on several threads, using a reporter’s article as the basis for his post. There are more of them, but these are the frequent posters. Branimir and Danica stopped posting after my post of Feb, 5th, to both of them. From what I have observed, and this is based solely on my perception of the language used, that it’s a few of them whose names are interchangeable. New names are assumed to replace those who have departed after their abusive statements to the non-Djokovic fans. And then, lo and behold, a new poster is born!

Our words are taken out of context and their words are put into our mouths. They interpret any criticism of Djokovic to mean that we “hate” him. They all use basically the same words, viz., “hate”, “jealous” and “racist”. We are accused of being the same person, posting under different names (which is what they are doing, hence their accusations), given citizenships of countries we have probably never visited, and also, religions that we probably don’t practice. I can only speak for myself on this.

Our criticisms of Djokovic in their minds mean that we “hate” Djokovic, and then we are reprimanded to only post once or twice and we should then shut up to allow other posters to post. From my observation, they do not necessarily want to post, they just want to start an argument and be abusive. They also state that they want to move on, but they still continue in the same vein of abuse. They are filled with displaced anger, and sadly, we are the victims of their wrath. This is absolutely pathetic.

The following is an exmaple of one of their posts, from Marko, Serbia, who I feel, replaced Bob 22:

“Marko, Serbia Says:
tejuz:

“please notice that all this suppose to be COMMENTS to the article, and not a sort of forum.
With all respect, we want to comment article , not to involve with some argue and discussion with you or Van ( who is self-proclaimed judge of everything and everybody here)
Post your comment once or twice and that’s it.

“No more arguing, please.We are not here because of you gays, but because of this article, please understand that.

“And forgive me my english, I’m just simple person from little country in the balkans.”

best regards

Marko ”

This was posted on the thread re: Federer at the Superbowl” but he has not posted even once concerning the subject. Also, he referred to us as “gays”.

“DK Says:
“Serbs voice their opinion more clearly, they don’t sugar coat it. And so what, nobody says you have to like it! Plus, how can you when you’ve always been spoon fed the “politically correct”.”

Luke, if you feel that I post too many times, please let me know and I will desist from posting. Thank you.

I haven’t stoped posting here at all specially not because you wrote something to me. I just do not come here every day simply because I HAVE a life (that includes two small children).

As I have already stated before, I am reading here and there on this blog.I am not really crazy about posting since I know that getting involved means coming back and discussing the things that, frankly, I do not care discussing THAT much. I felt the need to comment when some disgusting, stupid, tasteless and IGNORANT political garbage was thrown into the topic of tennis. And no, I have never before posted here and I’ve never had other nick. This is the name I was given at birth and I’ll use it whenever I care to post.

As for Marko and : “Also, he referred to us as “gays”.” It is more than obvious that this is typo. How many languages do you speak Von?

Instead of telling Ryan to ignore the posters (which I agree with), advise him not to use such ugly language. It should be beneath him. Otherwise, he proves to be an immature brat.

You are correct. You did not stop posting after my last post to you. If you read my statement again, you’ll see that I said “after” my post, not “because” of my post. There’s a big difference in those two statements. One means that I have not seen any posts from you after my post of Feb. 5th; the other means that you stopped because I asked you to stop. Please do not read into my words more than I state. I would never pride myself that I have such power to make you or anyone else change their minds about anything.

Regarding your statement about Ryan, I guess it was not good enough for you what I wrote. I should have ignored you, the same way you ignored my post. Why did you ask for my help? Why didn’t you do it yourself. You could have stated to him exactly what you wanted to say, instead of making me a messenger. I was big enough to overlook the messenger part, and he has not posted anything, period. But instead of appreciation for my effort, you have now engineered snother angry outburst by referring to him as an “immature brat.” If Ryan answers your post, you have got only yourself to blame. There’s always these litte digs. And, what about my request to you about posting in your language to your fellow Serbians? Did you do anything? I guess not, because nothing has changed.

I read that post from Marko 3 times to see if any other words in his post were typos, guess what, they’re none. If you want to believe that specific word was a “typo”, I agree with you. You are absolutely 100+ percent. I am going to agree with anything and everything you or anyone else writes from now on. You want hypocrisy you’ve got it.

If you indeed really want this feud to stop, and for Ryan to stop using any language you disapprove of, you are using the wrong approach. Calling him an “immature brat” is offensive. It’s extremely unfair that each and everyone of you can say anything you want, but we on the other hand, can’t refute anything or voice our comments because we are taken apart, on everything. We are outnumbered. we’re only 4, as opposed to about 20 of you. This is not my idea of fairness or fun.

You took offense to our posts, why don’t you read those offensive posts to us by those other Djok posters, and put yourself in our place. Let’s see what you would do if the shoe was on the other foot. We did not start this problem. We voiced our opinions, to articles that are written, and posting is encouraged to provide feedback and ideas. It’s unfortunate that some people can’t respect that or refuse to grasp the meaning of posting. You should read the posts on the other sites. I read them but I don’t post.

I am tired of this nonsense. It’s kid’s stuff. The only way to make all of you happy is for all of us to stop posting, which is what all of you want. Let’s see how many responses they can come up with and how interesting their discussions will be if we wre out of the picture.

I will not reply to any posts from you or any of you again. However, I was mistaken about you. I honestly thought that you were somewhat different; that’s the reason I chose to post to you. I’ve been wrong many times about people, so why doesn’t it surprise me whan you too prove me wrong. I also tried to set you apart from the others by including that sentence that you stopped. Shame on me!

Von,
instead od writing such long stories, just try to understand WHAT I am writing about. Has nothing to do with Nole (anymore). Has EVERYTHING to do with my/our homeland. That’s that. As for being a fan, you go on rooting for A-Rod, I’ll go on cheering for my Serbs. Simple. I wish Rodick still more titles.

I do not want to write to anyone here on any other language but English because I find it extremly impolite and offensive to all you guys who wouldn’t understand a word.
My asking you to tell you friend how to behave is purely because you seem to be the one here who wants to be in charge of everything. I am sorry to say but you’re being a complete hypocrite telling ME that my address to Ryan was offensive and unfair. Excuse me?! I was more than civil to him after his pathetic onslaught of the very worst kind where I (among others) was called names. Shows an immature, weak person with no arguments.

Marko’s usage of the particular word is a typo, I can swear. You wouldn’t know it. It is easy to make such a mistake because of the nature and writing of Serbian language. Trust me on that.

I never asked you to answer any of my posts. I said what I had to say. You found that you needed to reply. I also didn’t start here by addressing you in particular. Somehow, you decided to play God here.

Ryan,
there you go bro. I am writing to you. Refrain from such foul language please. Yeah, unfortuantely, such language and lack of selfcontrol basically prove what I said in this and my previous post.

Now now…Here we go. Federer fans always know it best. Federer always gives “credit” to his opponents after losing matches…What a joke, right? Quoting “He played some very good sho…(stops talking) serves which got him out of trouble”…The guy is so used to winning that he acts like a complete and utter retard when he loses. He’s like a 5 year old that lost his toys after losing a match. It’s getting far beyond sickening, and only the people that are obsessed with Federer and his legacy are blinded.

He basically hates Djokovic. That has been apparent for a few years now. He useed to talk shit about Djokovic’s retirements due to problems with breathing etc. ? How idiotic do you have to be to even bother commenting on that? Do you (Federer obsessed “fans”) think that Djokovic would retire back then if he could play? Does anyone want to RETIRE and LOSE a match if they’re feeling fine? E.g. Final of Zagreb tournament v. Wawrinka, Djoker wins the first set in a breaker and retires at the start of the second at something like 1:1 in games..Federer’s comments are so stupid, the guy is not very smart he just tries to act like a “gentleman” when in reality he’s very very far from being one.

I don’t know about what Djoker’s mom has been saying but who cares…She’s a mom, she’s subjective, she can say what she wants.

Dubai. Federer loses to Murray. What does he go on and do? Give Murray full credit? Yeah, sure. We starts talking shit about Murray’s game even though he just lost to the guy? How stupid can you get, seriously?

I’m looking forward to quarters in IW , Murray v. Fed, since Murray will beat Haas easier than last year and I don’t think Ljubicic can beat Federer at his current form (Croat’s form).

Anyhow, if Federer loses in Indian Wells at any stage..and gives another of his sore loser ridiculous interviews…you people should realise that he’s not a God, and that him having more Grand Slams than Djokovic , Nadal etc. means nothing. Federer had no GS titles in 2000 so what? Did that make him a worse player than Sampras when he beat him at Wimbledon? No. Look at Safin. He’d destroy anyone on his top form…And I mean ANYONE (yes, including dear Rogy boy). But it’s not about titles etc. you should put people’s careers into perspective after they retire. So, people posting on these forums something like “Djokovic sucks, 1 GDS, Fed 12, gtfo ” are ignorant fools that 1. Don’t know shit about tennis. 2. Never played tennis 3. Should not comment in general

To conclude, Federer fans should stop creating God out of him, he’s only human. He’s humble when he keeps winning (but then, most people are), but he’s a pretty bad loser and it’s pretty apparent too.